^^  PRINCETON,  N.  J.  <f 


BX  9225  .M256  W84  1855 
VJyli8,  Samuel  B.  1773-1852 
Memoir  of  Alexander  McLeod 


MEMOIR 


OF 


ALEXANDEE  McLEOD,  D.D. 


IIBRARY  OF  PRINCETON 


AMR  I  2  2004 


THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY 


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^J^^'^^J^^^^^ 


MEMOIR 


JAN  19  1911 


y/ 


ALEXANDEU  McLEOD,  D.D. 


NEW   YOPiK. 


BY 


SAMUEL  BROWl^  WYLIE,  D.D. 


PIIILADELPniA. 


]^EW    YORK: 
CHAELES  SCRIB^^ER,  145  NASSAU  STEEET. 

UDCCCLV. 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1S55,  by 

CHARLES  SCRIBNER, 

In  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  for  the  Southern  District  of  New- York. 


W.   n.   TISSON,  STEREOTTPER. 
TIWS,  EUSSEIX  &  CO.,  PRINTERS. 


SYNODICAL    ACTION. 


mHE  late  Rev.  Alexander  McLeod,  D.D.,  Pastor  of 
■*■  the  First  Reformed  Presbyterian  Church,  New 
York,  departed  this  life  on  the  17th  of  February, 
1833.  On  the  15th  of  April  the  same  year,  the 
Eastern  Subordinate  Synod  of  the  Reformed  Presby- 
terian Church  being  then  in  session  in  the  City  of 
New  York,  adopted  the  following  record  : — 

"  The  Rev.  Gilbert  McMaster,  D.D.,  having  left  the 
chain,  presented  a  resolution  which  he  prefaced  with 
some  remarks.  He  formally  announced  to  Synod 
the  decease  of  the  Rev.  Alexander  McLeod,  D.D.,  a 
member  of  the  Court,  and  to  whose  death  there  had 
been  various  incidental  allusions  during  its  several 
sederunts.  He  adverted,  in  a  very  eloquent  and 
impressive  manner,  to  the  high  intellectual  and 
moral  character  of  the  deceased,  to  the  important 
and  disinterested  services  which  he  has  rendered  to 
the  Reformed  Presbyterian  cause,  and  to  that  of 


VI  STNODICAL    ACTION. 

Christianity  generally,  and  to  the  faithfulness  and 
consistency  of  his  course,  to  its  closing  scenes.  Feel- 
ingly and  affectionately  he  referred  to  the  loss  sus- 
tained by  the  Brethren  of  the  Ministry,  and  by  the 
whole  church,  in  the  death  of  Dr.  McLeod ;  and, 
after  paying  a  high  compliment  to  the  abilities  of  Dr. 
Wylie,  he  concluded  by  presenting  the  following 
resolution  : — 

'^Resolved,  That  this  Synod  recommend  the  imme- 
diate preparation  of  a  Me7noir  of  the  late  Rev.  Dr. 
Alexander  McLeod,  as  a  tribute  of  respect  to  his 
memory  due  to  the  high  character  which  he  sus- 
tained, and  that  Rev.  Dr.  Wylie,  of  Philadelphia, 
be,  and  he  hereby  is,  appointed  to  perform  this 
service. 

' '  This  resolution  was  unanimously  adopted,  and 
Dr.  Wylie  testified  his  acceptance  of  the  appoint- 
ment." 

On  the  14th  of  August,  1833,  the  General  Synod 
of  the  Reformed  Presbyterian  Church  being  in  ses- 
sion in  the  City  of  Philadelphia,  the  following  reso- 
lution was  proposed  in  that  body  by  Dr.  McMaster, 
seconded  by  Dr.  Black,  and  carried  unanimously  : — 

' '  Resolved,  That  Synod  decidedly  approve  of  the 
measure  understood  to  be  recommended  by  a  Subor- 
dinate Judicatory,  in  respect  to  a  Memoir  of  the 


SYNODICAL   ACTION.  Vll 

late  Rev.  Dr.  McLeod,  and  of  the  selection  of  the 
distinguished  individual  to  whom  that  task  has  been 
assigned." 

In  pursuance  of  this  appointment,  the  following 
Memoir  was  prepared  by  Rev.  Dr.  Wylie,  who  is 
now  also  deceased.  It  appears  as  he  left  it,  with 
the  exception  of  the  omission  of  some  matter  refer- 
ring mainly  to  the  history  of  the  church,  and  which 
has  been  rendered  unnecessary  by  recent  publica- 
tions made  by  the  authority  of  her  Supreme  Judi- 
catory. 

The  Editor,  John  N.  McLeod,  D.D.,  of  New  York, 
the  son  and  successor  of  the  subject  of  the  Memoir, 
adds  a  chapter  at  the  close.  It  will  be  composed 
mainly  of  matter  which  has  come  to  hand  since  the 
Memoir  was  completed,  and  which  existing  circum- 
stances would  seem  to  call  for. 

New  York.  March  Cth.  1855. 


TABLE   OF   CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER   I. 
1774^1792. 


PAGE 

Introduction — Biography  useful — Family — Rev.  Niel  McLeod — Isle  of 
Mull — Birth — Natural  scenery — Mrs.  Margaret  McLeod — Colonel 
McLeod — Early  Religious  Character — Sensibility — Dr.  Samuel  John- 
son— Pious  Parentage — Confidence  in  God — Desire  to  he  a  Minister 
of  the  Gospel — Orphanage, 9 

CHAPTER   II. 
1794. 

Classical  education — Emigration  to  the  United  States — Eighteen  years  of 
age — Arrival  jn  New  York — Ascends  the  Hudson — Princetown  and 
Duanesburgh— Galway — Presbyterian  predilections — Christian  inter- 
course— Rev.  James  McKinney — Joins  the  Reformed  Presbyterians — 
Union  College — Prepares  for  the  ministry — Literary  honors — Consci- 
entiousness,   18 

CHAPTER    III. 

1798. 

Distinctive  Principles  —  Reformed  Presbytery  —  Associate  Reformed 
Church— British  Government — American  Republic — President  Smith 
— Judge  Miller — Dr.  J.  B.  Romoyn — Fellowship  meetings— Docu- 
ments surpressed — Studies  theology — Turrctiue — Irish  insurrection — 


X  CONTENTS. 

PAGB 

Messrs.  Black  and  Wylie — Presbytery  constituted — First  communion 
— Mr.  John  Agnew — Trial  discourses — Journal — Studies — Christian 
experience — Manuscripts  lost — Gains  Mine  Host — Reality  in  Reli- 
gion,     23 

CHAPTER    IV. 
1800. 

Licensure— Mr.  Wylie  ordained— Mr.  Black  ordained — Call  to  Coldenham 
— Slavery  abolished — Commission  to  the  South — Kentucky — David  _ 
Mitchell — Rocky  Creek — Sacrifice  for  principle — Call  to  Nov?  York — 
Ordained  and  installed— The  Carolinians, 49 

.CHAPTER    V. 

1804. 
Visit  to  Canada — Parochial  duties — Pulpit  preparation — Reading  Ser- 
mons— Clergy  of  New  York — A  galaxy — Dr.  Rodgers — Dr.  Living- 
ston— Dr.  Abeel — Dr.  Miller — Dr.  Mason — Mr.  McLeod  a  favorite — 
Refoi'med  Presbyterian  Church  extending — Mr.  "Wylie  visits  Europe 
— Death  of  Mr.  McKinney — Sermon  on  Slavery — Sermon  on  Christ's 
Headship — Resigns  Wallkill — Clerical  association — Anecdote  of  Dr. 
Mason — Marriage — Public  duties — Creed  of  the  Church — Standing 
Testimony, 56 

CHAPTER    VI. 

1806. 
Episcopal  controversy — Ecclesiastical  Catechism — Dr.  Hobart — Drs.  Mason 
and  Miller — Dr.  Thomson — Christian  Magazine — Antidote  against 
Prelacy — Standing  committee— Theological  Seminary — The  able 
minister  —  Sermon  on  the  ministry — Mr.  McMaster — Doctorate — 
Essays  on  the  Atonement — Objections  answered — Dignity  of  char- 
acter— Increasing  reputation — Success, 76 

CHAPTER    VII. 

1809. 
Constitution  of  Synod— Biography  of  Dr.  McLeod  and  the  History  of  the 
Church   inseparable — Self-control— Donald   McLeod— Severe    afflic- 


CONTENTS.  XI 

PAGE 

tion — Conversational  powers — Devotional  character— Love  and  har- 
mony—Mr. Black's  visit  to  Carolina— Covenanting  Explained— 
Obligation  transmissible— Increasing  influence— Call  to  the  Reformed 
Dutch  Church,  Garden  street— Love  to  Zion— Call  declined— Ap- 
pointed to  the  Vice-Presidency  of  the  College  of  New  Jersey- 
Declined— Literary  honors— University  on  Staten  Island— Vice-Pre- 
sident Tompliins, 103 

CHAPTER  VIII. 
1812. 
Third  meeting  of  Synod — Dr.  McLeod  preaches— A  full  meeting — Impor- 
tant transactions— War  of  1812— Republican  principles— Premature 
Legislation — Reforms  in  the  United  States  Government — Oath  of 
Allegiance — Omissions  not  immoralities — Constitution  of  the  United 
States  supported — Disapprobation  not  rejection — The  Union  sup- 
ported— The  Government  not  immoral — Reformed  Presbyterians 
generally,  approve  of  the  War — Dr.  McLeod  the  author  of  the  oath  of 
allegiance — Principles  never  changed, 126 

CHAPTER    IX. 

1813. 
High  character  as  a  preacher — Call  to  the  First  Presbyterian  Church,  New 
York — Dr.  Miller — Dr.  Ely — Rev.  Mr.  Potts — General  assembly  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church — Correspondence — Call  declined — Night  ser- 
mons— Worldly  emolument  not  sought — Dr.  John  B.  Romeyn — Letter 
from  Lisbon  —  Strange  sights — Sanctified  affection — Fidelity  and 
Confidence — Supplies  Dr.  Romeyn's  pulpit — Remarkable  labors — 
Teeming  pen, lio 

CHAPTER    X. 

1814. 
Lectures  on  the  Principal  Prophecies  of  the  Revelation — Review  by  John 
Black,  D.D. — Rijles  of  interpretation — History—  Prediction — The  Sea 
of  Glass — The  Seals — The  Roman  Empire — Constantine — The  Trum- 
pets-Mahomet—  Seventh  Trumpet — Practical  remarks — The  Four 


XU  CONTENTS. 

PA  OB 

Beasts— The  Antichristian  System— The  Little  Book— The  Two  Wit- 
nesses— Michael — The  great  apostasy — "War  with  the  saints — The 
Image  of  the  Beast — Revivals  of  Religion — The  vintage — The  one 
fold— The  1260  days— 18GC— Mount  Zion— The  Lamb— The  Music  of 
the  Harp, 165 


CHAPTER    XI. 

1815. 

Sermons  on  the  late  war — A  brief  notice  by  Gilbert  MoMaster,  D.D. — 
The  war  of  1812 — Reasons  of  it — Sermons  not  political  effusions — 
Discussions  of  great  moral  principles — British  orders  in  council — 
Decrees  of  Milan — Great  Britain  first  in  transgression — Reluctance 
of  the  United  States  to  contend — American  humanity — Declaration 
of  war — British  Whigs — Moral  courage — The  old  covenanter — Battle 
of  New  Orleans— Third  President  of  the  United  States — The  clergy 
— Right  to  discuss  the  morals  of  politics  aflSrmed — Robert  Hall — 
The  two  belligerents — Slavery — Thomas  Erastus — Defensive  war  law- 
ful— Capital  punishment — Union  for  defence — Right  of  expatriation 
— Native  country — Value  of  the  Union — Prayer  for  success — The 
Martyrs — America  vindicated, 210 


CHAPTER    XII. 

1817. 

Congregation  resigned — Dr.  Romcyn  returns — Sympathy — True  friend- 
ship— Family  affliction — Reformed  Presbyterian  Church  in  Scotland 
— Continued  trials — Consolation — Sermons  on  True  Godliness — The 
marrow  of  the  Gospel — An  exhibition  of  Dr.  McLeod's  own  expe- 
rience— Colonel  Henry  Rutgers — Example  of  liberality — Evangelical 
religion — Old  Rutgers  street  church — The  Christian  life — Human 
ability— Sanctification  progressive — The  Spirit  of  adoption— Growth 
in  grace — Assurance — Religion  of  infants — Children  of  believers — 
Dr.  McLeod  a  Reviewer — An  Essayist — Conscience,  ....  261 


CONTENTS.  Tin 

FAOB 

CHAPTER    XIII. 

1820. 
From  ISIS  to  1823— General  Scholarship— A  silent  Sabbath— Witness- 
bearing — Judicious  legislation — The  banquet — Delicate  health — Theo- 
logical Seminary — Professorship — Representative  Synod — Draft  of  a 
Covenant — Memorial  from  South  Carolina — Religious  treatment  of 
negroes 304 

CHAPTER  XIV. 
1823. 
Synod  in  Pittsburg— Rev.  S.  "W.  Crawford— Death  of  friends— Mrs.  Dr. 
Black — Rev.  Dr.  Romeyn — Ties  dissevered  —  Submission — Public 
movements  —  Ecclesiastical  correspondence — General  Assembly — 
Serious  illness — Slow  recovery — Health  severely  affected — ^Mental 
energy  unimpaired — Plan  of  Correspondence  with  the  General 
Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  advocated  by  Dr.  McLeod — 
Powerful  address — Not  a  plan  of  anion — Enlarged  views — John 
Knox — A  crisis  —  Christianity  to  prevail  —  Dr.  Green  —  Painful 
bereavement — Abounding  consolation, 322 

CHAPTER  XV. 
1S30. 
Severe  labors  —  Calumny  refuted  —  Bonaparte — Covenanting — African 
Colonization — ^Rev.  Hugh  McMillan — Resolutions  adopted  by  Synod 
— Speech  of  Dr.  McLeod — Plan  of  Colonization  originated  with  him — 
Magnitudinous  scheme — New  organization — Sixth  street  church — 
Mr.  J.  N.  McLeod's  settlement  in  Galway — Aflaiction  in  Dr.  Wylie's 
family— Christian  sympathy — Journey  to  Canada — Lake  George — 
Quebec — Saratoga— Ordination  of  Mr.  J.  N.  McLeod — Another  pain- 
ful bereavement — Voyage  to  Europe — Arrival  in  Glasgow,       .        .  353 

CHAPTER    XVI. 
1830. 
Visit  to  Scotland — Glasgow — Hospitable  welcome — Reformed  Presbyte- 
rian Synod — Vote  of  thanks — Professor  Symington — Professor  of 


XIV  CONTENTS. 

PAGE 

Theology — To  edit  a  magazine — Delightful  remembrances — Geology 
— Native  parish — Mr.  Armstrong — Rev.  TV.  Symington — Mr.  Rogcrsou 
— Visit  to  Loghgoin— Old  Mortality — Covenanters'  flag — Andrew 
McMillan — Concio  ad  Clerum — Mrs.  Johnston — Aberdeen — Edin- 
burgh— Mr.  Mason — Ireland — Rev.  Mr.  Stavely — Mr.  Alexander — ■ 
Londonderry— Rev.  John  Paul— Sermon  for  the  Jews — Successors  of 
the  Martyrs — Letter  to  his  son— Colonel  McLeod — Sisters — Attends 
the  General  Assembly— Remarks— Labors— Ossian's  Poems— Their 
Authenticity  demonstrated  —  I  Colum-Kill  —  Columba — Culdees  — 
Edward  Irving — Return  home — Greeting  of  Friends  —  Beneficial 
results  of  his  visit — Solemn  covenant — Two  congregations  offer  calls 
— Remains  with  the  Mother  Church — 111  health,         ....  371 

CHAPTER,    XVII. 

1832. 
Synod  in  Philadelphia,  1831 — Feeble  health — Rev.  Mr.  Henry — Eminent 
services — Vote  of  thanks — Domestic  affliction — Again  bereaved — 
Controversies  in  the  Church — Dr.  McLeod  recommends  forbearance — 
Eventful  year— Eastern  Sub-Synod— Pastoral  Letter— Error  cor- 
rected— Right  to  publish — Unity  affirmed, 428 

CHAPTER    XVIII. 

1832. 
Last  visit  to  Philadelphia — Pro  re  nata  meeting— Dr.  McLeod  remon- 
strates— Declines  attending — Separation  commences — The  separatists 
responsible  for  the  division— Installation  of  Rev.  John  N.  McLeod  as 
assistant  and  successor — Last  communion  with  Drs.  Wylie  and  Black 
— Solemn  occasion— Presence  of  the  Spirit — Bodily  weakness— Men- 
tal energy— Liberal  views  — Progress  — Scriptural  Government- 
Christianity  the  common  law— Reserved  rights— Another  argument,    444 

CHAPTER    XIX. 
1833. 
United  States  Constitution    the   moral  ordinance  of  God — Objections 
answered — Representation— History   of   the  Slave  Trade— -Federal 


CONTENTS.  XV 

PAGE 

Constitution  never  made  a  slave— Westminster  Assembly— IG 38— 
1640— Liberia— A  confederacy— Defects  in  legislation— Constitution 
not  atheistical— Christianity  presumed  and  recognized— The  Church 
protected— The  people  of  the  United  States  their  own  conscience- 
keepers— All  reform  must  begin  with  the  people— Make  them  right, 
and  they  will  rectify  their  Government— The  Bible— The  world  to 
be  reformed  by  the  Gospel— Cheering  prospects— Dr.  McLeod  coin- 
cides with  his  brethren— The  Church  vindicated,        .        .        .        .471 

CHAPTER  XX. 
1833. 
Last  Illness— Composure— Strong  faith— Conversation  in  heaven— Reign 
of  Grace  — Triumph  — Mr.  Andrew  Gifford  — Death— Tributes  of 
respect— Dr.  Westbrook— Drs.  Wylie  and  Ely— Dr.  Wilson— Act, 
Declaration,  and  Testimony— Memoir  completed  in  1837— Death  of 
airs.  McLeod, ^7 


CHAPTEPo    XXI. 

Additional  by  the  Editor— Extended  remarks  unnecessary— Dr.  McLeod 
on  African  Colonization— Rev.  H.  McMillan— Emancipation  difficult 
—Door  opened— Colonization  Society  organized— Henry  Clay — 
Speech  of  Dr.  McLeod— Dr.  Alexander— Liberia— Causes  of  division 
—Co-operation  practised— Government  of  the  country— Civil  rela- 
tions no  term  of  communion— Last  Sacrament — Place  of  burial — 
Tributes  of  affection— Revived  memories— Dr.  Spring— Dr.  Steel — 
Dr.  Knox— Dr.  Black— Dr.  Symington— Publications,        .        .        .503 


[A  misspelling  of  the  name  of  Dr.  McLeod  on  p.  61 ;  of  that  of  Lateinos  on  p.  204,  and  one 
or  two  other  unimportant  errors  will  be  evident.] 


M  E  i\I  O  I  R 


OF 


ALEXATJDEE  McLEOD,  D.D. 


CHAPTER     I . 

INTRODUCTION. 
Dr.  McLeod's  Birth— Early  Education— Until  his  arrival  ia  the  United  States. 

How  few,  comparatively,  of  the  tlionglits,  words,  and 
actions  of  human  beings  are  worthy  of  being  recorded! 
The  history  of  ninety-nine  out  of  the  hundred  of  our  race 
may  be  announced  in  the  single  laconic  sentence  of  the 
compound  of  the  celebrated  Indian  philosopher:  '-They  were 
born ;  they  were  miserable  ;  and  they  died."  With  what  a 
useless — nay,  pernicious— chaotic  mass  would  the  magazine 
of  memory,  and  the  annals  of  history,  be  crowded  and  lum- 
bered, if  everything  was  remembered  and  recorded  !  It  is 
true,  we  often  regret  the  treachery  of  our  memories,  and 
complain  of  the  scantiness  and  the  imperfection  of  our  his- 

2 


10  MEMOIE    OF   ALEXAJiTDEE   MCLEOD,    D.b, 

torical  annals ;  yet  it  might  fairly  be  questioned  whetter 
tliese  very  deficiencies  slionld  not  demand  gratitude  rather 
than  regret.     If  the  knowledge  of  many  valuable  facts  is 
lost  in  remote  antiquity,  an  incomparably  greater  portion  of 
useless  and  uninteresting  materials  has  been  happily  buried 
in  the  same  grave  of  oblivion.     How  often  do  we  find  the 
history  of  those  denominated  the  great  and  the  illustrious  of 
the  earth  consisting  principally  of  a  catalogue  of  crimes  I 
Yet  they  have  been  lauded  to  the  shies.     So  true  is  it,  that 
"  One  murder  makes  a  villain :  a  million,  a  hero."     Yet, 
blessed  be  God,  there  are  many  agreeable  exceptions  to  this 
gloomy  picture.     There  are  some  verdant  spots  in  this  vast 
moral  waste — some  pleasant  oases  in  this  parched  desert — 
where  the  weary  traveller  may  find  shelter  and  repose,  and 
on  which   the   imagination  lingers  with  peculiar  delight. 
While  humanity  recoils  at  the  recital  of  the  horrid  deeds  of 
blood  which  emblazon  the  escutcheon  of  an  Alexander,  a 
Csesar,  or  a  Tamerlane,  the  heart  heaves  with  delight,  and 
the  eye  beams  with  joy  in  perusing  the  history  of  a  Thomp- 
son or  a  Hall,  a  Livingston  or  a  Mason,  a  Koraeyn  or  a 
McLeod. 

The  delineation  of  the  prominent  features  of  the  charac- 
ters of  distinguished  individuals  possesses  various  advan- 
tages above  the  portraitures  of  general  history.  How  the 
multitude  of  motley  groups  crowded  into  the  picture,  often 
distract  the  attention  and  mar  the  distinctness  and  perma- 
nency of  the  impression !  Biography,  from  the  individuality 
of  its  nature,  concentrates  the  scattered  rays,  collects  them 
into  a  focal  point,  furnishes  models  more  available  for  for- 
mation of  character,  and  presents  a  larger  stock  of  useful 
material  for  mental  improvement.  It  brings  into  notice, 
and  shows  in  lioldor  relief,  the  more  interesting  traits  of 


BIOGRAPHY  USEFUL.  11 

domestic  character  wliicli  may  engage  the  attention  of 
youth,  and  call  forth  their  sympathies,  more  powerfully,  or 
at  least  more  profitably,  than  the  more  brilliant  displays  of 
splendid  groups,  which,  in  a  general  pageant,  may  pass  in 
review,  and  dazzle  for  a  moment,  without  improving  either 
head  or  heart.  Thus,  virtue  and  moral  worth  become 
embodied  in  an  amiable  individual,  diffuse  a  charming 
radiance  around  them,  and  insensibly  attract  attention, 
excite  admiration,  and  inspire  a  holy  ardor  after  similar 
attainments.  * 

The  pride  of  ancestry,  unaccompanied  with  personal 
worth,  is  a  vain  and  pernicious  passion:  puffing  up  the 
mind  with  a  foolish  conceit,  it  prevents  improvement,  and 
generates  supercilious  behavior.  ISTevertheless,  it  is  both 
just  and  honorable  to  cherish  the  memory  of  virtuous 
parentage.  Every  virtuous  man,  w^ere  it  possible  for  him 
to  have  it  at  his  own  option,  would  prefer  descent  from  the 
great,  the  wise,  and  the  good,  to  a  mean,  vicious,  and  infa- 
mous extraction.  There  is  reason  for  this  choice.  It  seems 
to  be  a  part  of  our  constitution,  though  we  cannot  account 
for  the  fiict,  that  children  usually  partake  of  the  temper,  and 
other  more  prominent  features  of  the  parental  character. 
This  fact  is  too  obvious  to  be  disputed.  The  sentiments  and 
habits  imbibed  and  formed  in  early  life  depend  much  upon 
the  family  in  which  we  were  brought  up,  and  they  contri- 
bute, in  no  small  degree,  to  the  formation  of  future  cliarac- 
ter.  What  an  assemblage  of  powerful  motives,  stimulating 
to  virtuous  conduct,  will  the  acknowledged  worth  and  unsul- 
lied reputation  of  a  revered  father  present  to  a  generous 
mind !  The  offspring  of  pious  parents  have,  moreover,  the 
promise  of  divine  protection;  and  God,  in  the  ordinary 
course  of  his  providence,  accompanies  with  his  blessing  the 


12  MEMOIR   OF   ALEXANDER   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

children  of  tears  and  prajers,  recommended  hy  the  saints  to 
his  grace  and  mercy.  The  subject  of  this  memoir,  it  is 
behoved,  cherished,  and  was  justified  in  cherishing,  that 
grateful  disposition  which  he  uniformly  indulged  at  the 
recollection  of  his  parentage. 

The  McLeod  Clan,  or  Family^  are  of  Danish  origin. 
Early  in  the  twelfth  century,  one  of  the  ancestors,  of  the 
name  of  Leodlus,  in  the  reign  of  King  William,  was 
appointed  by  the  King  of  Denmark  to  the  government  of 
some  islands  on  the  coast  of  Scotland,  then  in  the  possession 
of  that  prince.  His  descendants  were  denominated,  in 
the  Celtic  tongue,  Mac  Leods,  i.  e.,  sons  or  descendants  of 
Leodlus.  And  hence  the  family  of  that  name  so  numerous 
in  the  Western  Isles  of  Scotland. 

Declining  any  minute  investigation  of  the  ramifications  of 
the  genealogical  tree,  we  find  the  father  of  the  subject  of 
the  present  memoir  was  the  Kev.  Kiel  McLeod,  of  St. 
Kilda,  nearly  related  to  the  Dunvegan  family,  the  chief  of 
the  clan;  and  his  mother,  Margaret  McLean,  daughter  of 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Archibald  McLean,  of  Bunessan.  In  the 
parish  in  which  the  latter  gentleman  had  been  pastor,  Mr. 
Niel  McLeod  succeeded  him,  and  married  the  daughter  of 
his  venerable  predecessor.  Mr.  K.  McLeod  had  been  well 
known  in  the  Northern  Highland  Islands,  as  an  amiable 
man,  and  an  elegant  scholar.  He  had  endeavored  success- 
fully to  introduce  into  the  island  of  Skye,  a  taste  for  classic 
literature ;  and  many  of  the  neighboring  gentlemen  long 
cherished  his  memory  with  esteem  and  affection.  His  chil- 
dren often  met  in  Europe  and  America  many  a  friend  on 
account  of  their  father ;  and  on  his  account  they  neither  had 
ever  cause  to  blush,  nor  received  of  any  man  a  frown. 


KEY.    NIEL   MCLEOD.  13 

In  the  island  of  Mull,  in  wbicli  liis  parish  lav,  this 
respectable  clergyman  lived  in  the  hearts  of  his  own  people, 
and  of  all  his  brethren.  Here  he  enjoyed  whatever  was 
calculated  to  rejoice  and  delight  a  pnre  and  nnsophisticated 
mind.  His  situation  at  Ardchrisinish,  a  small  farm  on  the 
southwest  coast  of  the  island,  was  healthy  and  romantic. 
This  fiirm  he  rented  from  the  Duke  of  Argyle,  and  it  con- 
stituted the  southern  boundary  of  the  district  called 
Borlas.  Here  xVlexander  was  born,  on  the  12th  of  June, 
1774. 

The  house  was  a  neat  cottage,  with  three  comfortable 
rooms  on  the  lower  floor.  Built  upon  a  gentle  declivity  at 
the  foot  of  a  small  hill,  it  was  almost  surrounded  with 
extensive  fields  and  meadows.  This  ground  was  the  neck  of 
that  lofty  promontory  which  stood  opposite  to  Burgh,  and 
formed  the  southern  shore  of  the  mouth  of  Loch  Levin,  a 
noble  arm  of  the  Atlantic,  which  rolled  its  majestic  waves 
for  several  miles  into  the  heart  of  the  island. 

From  the  front  of  the  house  you  could  enjoy  a  full  view 
of  this  inland  sea,  and  of  the  fishermen's  boats  with  which 
it  abounded.  Its  scanty  level  banks  were  covered  with  ver- 
dure, and  revealed  occasionally  from  behind  the  tufts  of 
trees,  the  neat  habitations  of  the  neighboring  gentlemen. 
Upon  the  northern  shore  the  high  and  dark  heathery  hills 
rose  suddenly  behind  the  cultivated  fields,  and  in  sullen 
grandeur  seemed  to  frown  contempt  upon  the  puny  monu- 
ments of  human  industry.  Behind  these  hills  Benmore 
raised  its  head  far  above  them.  This  is  the  highest  moun- 
tain in  Mull.  And  even  in  the  heat  of  sunnner  the  snow 
remains  unmelted  on  its  summit.  "While  a  boy,"  says 
Doctor  McLeod— these  are  his  own  words—"  fatigued  with 
play,  and  melting  under  the  scorching  sun,  I  have  contem- 


14  IIEMOIR   OF   ALEXANDER   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

plated  the  snow  on  the  top  of  Benmore,  and  imagined 
myself  cooled  and  refreshed." 

Tlie  prospect  to  the  east,  if  less  sublime,  was  not  less 
charming.  A  regular  range  of  sloping  hills,  covered  with 
heath,  extended  as  far  as  the  eye  could  reach,  and  afforded 
nourishment  for  large  flocks  of  sheep  and  of  goats  ;  the  lat- 
ter of  which  might  be  seen  among  the  rocks  which  consti- 
tuted the  boundary  between  the  Highlands  and  the  level 
fields  below.  Across  these  fields,  three-quarters  of  a  mile 
from  the  house,  and  over  a  steep,  black,  flinty  rock,  one 
thousand  feet  in  perpendicular  height,  a  rivulet  of  mountain 
water  poured  down  rapidly  into  a  basin,  which  itself  had 
formed  in  the  rock,  at  the  base,  and  gently  meandered  among 
the  surrounding  pastures. 

Essan  Dhu,  as  the  stream  was  called,  when  pouring 
down  this  lofty  precipice,  had  its  waters  tossed  up  in  the  air, 
like  pillars  of  smoke,  by  the  northwest  wind  which  com- 
monly blows  up  the  coast,  and  forms  one  of  the  most  elegant 
cascades  that  ever  delighted  the  eye  of  man.  The  promon- 
tory of  Ardchrisinish  terminated  in  steep  rocks,  wliich  bade 
defiance  to  the  roaring  billows  which  continually  rolled 
against  them,  and  was  capped  by  Tormore,  a  round  hill, 
whose  sides  were  decorated  with  the  drapery  of  the  birch, 
the  hazel,  and  the  oak. 

In  this  romantic  spot,  the  Eev.  Mr.  ISTiel  McLeod,  often 
studied  those  pathetic  discourses  Avhich  instructed  and  melted 
his  numerous  audience.  The  simple  manners  and  sincere 
friendship  of  the  peasantry  aff'orded  him  much  amusement 
and  pleasure ;  and  the  elegant  and  polished  conversation  of 
several  genteel  families  in  the  neighborhood,  with  whom  he 
lived  on  terms  of  intimacy,  afforded  occasional  entertain- 
ment and  recreation  after  severe  studies.    He  enjoyed  the 


MES.   MAKGAHET   MCLEOD.  15 

fi'iendship  and  correspondence  of  tlie  celebrated  Dr.  Blair, 
.and  others  of  tlie  most  learned  and  eminent  of  his  fellow 
laborers  in  the  ministry  of  the  church  of  Scotland,  for- 
eigners often  visited  his  family  and  were  always  welcomed 
at  his  hospitable  board. 

The  islands  of  Stjtfta  and  lona  attracted  every  summer 
parties  of  pleasm^e  and  distinguished  characters  from  every 
part  of  Europe,  who  increased  and  varied  the  social  enjoy- 
ment of  those  families,  which,  always  remarkable  for  hospi- 
tality lived  in  this  part  of  the  country.  Dr.  Samuel  John- 
son, in  his  tour  througli  the  Hebrides,  visited  Mull  also,  and 
was  introduced  by  Sir  Allan  McLean  to  Ardchrisinish.  Not- 
withstanding his  stubborn  prejudices  of  sectarian  and  na- 
tional bigotry,  against  Scottish  men  and  Presbyterians,  the 
tourist  was  consti-ained  to  bear  testimony  to  the  distinguished 
merits  of  Mr.  Kiel  McLeod,  "  We  were,"  says  he,  "  enter- 
tained by  Mr.  McLeod,  a  minister  that  lives  upon  the 
coast,  whose  elegance  of  <jonversation  and  strength  of 
judgment  would  make  him  conspicuous  in  places  of 
greater  celebrity."  In  another  connection,  Dr.  Johnson  is 
represented  as  calling  liim  the  "  clearest- headed  man  in  the 
Highlands." 

Mrs.  McLeod  was  a  woman  of  fine  mind,  solid  sense,  and 
fervent  piety.  She  brought  her  husband  twelve  childi-en, 
of  whom  four  died  in  iniancy.  The  remaining  eight,  four 
sons  and  as  many  daughters,  lived  to  be  men  and  women. 
It  was  the  care  and  great  concern  of  their  parents  to  educate 
them  in  babits  of  industry  and  virtue;.  Tutors  were  main- 
tained in  tbe  family,  and  their  children  were  constantl}^  imder 
their  inspection.  Alexander,  the  subject  of  these  memoirs, 
was  the  yomigest  son,  except  one,  and  only  five  years  of  age, 
when  liis  father  wxis  caUed  away  from  a  weeping  flock  and 


16  MEMOIR  OF  ALEXANDER  MCLEOD,  D.D. 

family,  to  tlie  joys  of  a  blessed  immortality.  His  mind  was 
uncommonly  acute,  vigorous,  and  tliouglitful ;  liis  sensibility 
keen  and  lively  ;  and  all  bis  passions  strong  and  active.  He 
was,  from  earliest  infancy,  ardent,  ambitious,  and  enterpris- 
ing. His  constitution  was  naturally  vigorous,  but  bad  often 
received  severe  strokes.  From  tbe  time  be  began  to  walk 
until  be  arrived  at  maturity,  be  was  scarcely  tbree  montbs 
at  a  time  witbout  disease  or  accidental  injuries,  to  wbicb  bis 
activity  and  enterprise  bad  exposed  and  subjected  bim  ;  and 
yet  be  bad  not  completed  bis  sixtb  year,  before  be  could  re- 
peat tbe  Latin  Grammar.  Tbe  cbaracter  of  bis  mind,  and 
tbe  frecpiency  of  bis  indisposition,  rendered  bim  tbe  darling 
of  bis  fatber,  and  after  bis  deatb,  Mrs.  McLeod  appeared  to 
bave  transfered  to  Alexander  tbe  affection  for  tbe  fatber,  in 
addition  to  tbat  wbicb  sbe  felt  for  tbe  son.  Sbe  watcbed 
over  bis  boyisb  days  witli  tbe  tenderest  solicitude.  He  was 
remarkably  a  cbild  of  prayer,  and  bad  been  devoted  to  tbe 
ministry  of  tbe  gospel  from  bis  birtb  ;  and  of  tbis  object, 
amidst  all  tbe  vicissitudes  of  bis  early  life,  be  never  once 
lost  sigbt. 

Tbe  power  of  bis  passions  ajipeared  at  an  early  period ; 
and  be  did  not  long  enjoy  tbe  benefit  of  paternal  wisdom  and 
experience  for  tbeir  government  and  direction.  Tlie  deatb 
of  bis  fatber  was  indeed  an  irreparable  loss  to  bis  family,  but 
particularly  to  Alexander.  He  felt  it  poignantly ;  lie  was 
solemn  and  tbougbtfnl  in  tbe  last  moments  of  bis  fatber's  ill- 
ness ;  and  wben  bis  decease  was  announced  to  bis  weej)ing 
family,  tbis  little  boy  was  upon  bis  knees  in  prayer. 

He  followed  tbe  corpse  to  tbe  grave  unnoticed  among  an 
immense  crowd  of  sincere  mourners,  until  tbe  coffin  was  laid 
in  tbe  tomb,  wben  be  attracted  tbe  attention  of  all,  by  a  gust 
of  passionate  grief,  wbicb  caused  tbe  blood  to  burst  from  bis 


COLONEL   MCLEOD. 


lY 


nostrils  so  profusely,  tliat  his  strengtli  was  soon  exhausted. 
He  was  then  only  five  years  of  age. 

To  the  formation  of  his  mind,  meanwhile,  his  mother  paid 
the  most  sedulous  attention.     She  was  aware  of  the  delicacy 
and  the   difficulty  of  the  task;   but  duty  and  inclination 
loudly  called  for  her  efforts.     From  that  time  forward  she 
kept  him  under  the  strictest  discipline  ;  but  blended  with 
its  rio-or  and  vigilance   the   tenderest   and  most  manifest 
affection.      She   never   corrected   without    explaining    the 
nature  and  tendency  of  the  fault  committed,  and  reasoning 
upon  the  painfulness  and  the  necessity  of  the  punishment. 
To  this  she  joined  formal  prayer  for  a  blessing  upon  the  rod 
of  chastisement.     The  following  is  an  extract  from  a  letter 
written  by  Col.  McLeod,  military  commandant  in  tlie  north 
of  Ireland,  in  the  town  of  Belfast,  brother  to  the  late  Dr. 
McLeod  :     "  From  early  infancy,"  says  Col.  McLeod,  "  my 
brother  was  fond  of  study ;  and  while  I  was  engaged  in 
boisterous  and  sometimes  dangerous  sports,  he  would  be 
picking  up  scraps  and  leaves  of  books,  and  putting  them 
together  in  the  most  bizarre  forms,  and  thus  amusing  his 
mother  and  sisters.     He  seldom  joined  for  any  length  of 
time  in  outdoor  amusements.      He  had  a  most  retentive 
memory,  and  as  far  as  ever  I  can  recollect,  he  was  eager  to 
become  a  minister  of  the  gospel ;  and  even  when  of  tender 
a^-e,  when  he  once  formed  a  resolution,  it  was  not  easy  to 
get  it  set  aside.     He  never  would  join  in  shooting,  or  fish- 
ing, or  racing.     One  particular  trait  of  his  character — and 
that  never  varied— was  his  absolute  and  perfect  confidence 
that  God  would  nevei'  forsake  him,  and  Avas  all-sufficient  to 
provide  for  him." 


18  MEMOIE   OF   ALESLINDEK   MCLEOD,    D.D. 


CHAPTER   II. 
1792. 

Until  he  joined  tlic  Reformed  Presbyterian  Church. 

Young  McLeod  having  received  a  very  respectable 
classical  education  in  his  native  isle,  animated  by  that  spirit 
of  liberty  and  independence  which  always  formed  a  promi- 
nent trait  of  his  character,  turned  his  attention  to  the 
United  States  of  America.  In  the  year  1792,  when  scarcely 
eighteen,  he  sailed  from  Liverpool  for  New  York.  Shortly 
after  his  arrival,  he  ascended  the  Hudson  to  Albany,  and 
thence  proceeded  to  Princetown  and  Duanesburgh.  These 
townships  lie  a  few  miles  Avest  of  Albany,  and  south  of 
the  Mohawk  river.  Here  he  fell  in  with  a  few  families  who 
had  some  considerable  time  before  emigrated  from  the 
Highlands  of  Scotland,  Several  families  of  the  emigrants 
also  had  located  themselves  in  Galway  and  Milton,  a  few 
miles  north  of  the  same  stream.  With  these  honest, 
unsophisticated  farmers,  young  McLeod  soon  became  a  very 
great  favorite.  His  manners  were  agreeable ;  his  mind 
noble,  generous,  and  ardent.  He  was  affable,  condescend- 
ing, and  national.  He  loved  the  country  of  his  birth ;  he 
loved  and  cherished  his  countrymen  wherever  he  met  them. 
It  mattered  not  to  him  how  humble  their  sphere  of  life,  or 
how^  scanty  their  worldly  means.     His  esteem  was  regulated 


EELIGIOUS   EDUCATION.  19 

by  what  lie  believed  to  be  tlie  quantity  of  moral  wortli. 
Among  these  honest,  simple,  and  virtuous  countrymen  of 
his,  he  found  congenial  spirits,  and  kindred  feelings.  They 
were  friends  of  that  Redeemer  whom  he  loved. 

Eeligiously  educated  as  Mr.  McLeod  had  been  in  his 
native  land,  what  matter  of  thankfulness  was  it,  that  the 
prayers  of  a  godly  ftither,  the  petitions  and  careful  instruc- 
tions of  an  affectionate  and  pious  mother,  were  not  unpro- 
ductive !  They,  through  the  grace  of  God,  were  followed  by 
early  and  abundant  fruits  in  the  land  of  his  adoption. 
He  loved  the  courts  of  God's  house,  and  delighted  in  the 
contemplation  of  the  beauty  of  the  Lord  displayed  in  the 
sanctuary.  Born  and  brought  up  as  he  had  been  in  the 
bosom  of  the  church  of  Scotland,  his  predilections  were 
Presbyterian.  Extensive  investigation,  reflection,  and  rea- 
soning thoroughly  confirmed  and  established  his  Presbyterian 
principles.  The  abuses  and  corruptions  with  which  the 
established  church  of  Scotland  abounded,  were  seen  and 
lamented  by  him.  Her  beauty  had  been  tarnished,  and  her 
energies  cramped  and  trammelled  by  her  adoption  of  the 
Revolution  settlement.  !N^one  could  view  with  stronger  dis- 
approbation than  he  did,  the  Erastian  establishment  of  her 
constitution,  and  the  disfranchisement  of  sacred  rights — the 
ecclesiastical  slavery  involved  in  the  odious  system  of 
patronage,  brooding  as  an  incubus  on  that  devoted  church. 
Although  in  the  United  States  neither  Establishment  nor 
Patronage  existed,  yet  he  declined  connecting  himself  with 
any  of  the  different  denominations  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church,  until  by  close  and  minute  inquiry  he  might  ascer- 
tain, so  as  to  satisfy  himself  which  of  them  was  in  nearest 
accordance  to  the  "  Law  and  the  testimony."  The  Scottish 
Highlanders  above-mentioned,  with  whom  he  fell  in  shortly 


20  isrEMom  of  alexandee  mcleod,  d.d. 

after  Ins  arrival,  were  at  tliat  time  in  a  similar  process  of 
examination  after  religions  trntli.  Tliey  were  anxious  to 
know  tlie  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus.  They,  Avitli  much  diligence 
and  prayer,  engaged  in  the  use  of  the  means.  In  conjunc- 
tion with  Mr.  McLeod,  they  constituted  societies  for  prayer 
and  Christian  conference.  They  procured  the  testimonies  of 
such  churches  as  they  considered  approximating  nearest  to 
the  requisitions  of  the  Word  of  God.  Tliey  read,  compared, 
and  discussed  the  doctrines  contained  in  them,  praying  for 
divine  light  and  direction,  and  thus,  in  process  of  time,  final- 
ly adopted  the  testimony  of  the  Heformed  Presbyterian 
Church.  It  is  believed,  indeed,  that  seldom  has  any  society 
more  intelligently  embraced  the  articles  of  their  religious 
creed  tlian  did  these  societies  on  both  sides  the  Mohawk 
river,  with  which  Mr.  McLeod  had  connected  himself. 
They  were  composed  of  men  of  genuine  piety,  of  primitive 
simplicity,  of  strong  common-sense.  And  they  were  warm- 
hearted, ardent,  and  of  rigid  moral  integrity.  Yes,  the 
names  of  an  Alexander  Glen,  a  John  Burns,  a  Robert  Speir, 
a  Hugh  Hoss,  an  Andrew  McMillan,  a  Walter  Maxwell, 
&c.,  although  they  may  soon  be  forgotten  in  the  vicinity  of 
Schenectady,  will  be  held  in  everlasting  remembrance  in 
the  realms  of  eternal  day. 

The  convictions  and  ultimate  decisions,  resulting  from 
these  intellectual  inquiries  after  trnth,  were  much  aided  and 
greatly  expedited  by  the  conversation  and  public  discussions 
of  the  Eev.  James  McKinney,  a  member  of  the  Reformed 
Presbyterian  Church,  who  had  emigrated  from  Ireland  in 
1793.  Mr.  McKinney  was  a  native  of  Ireland,  of  respect- 
able parentage  and  family  connections,  of  vigorous  intellect, 
and  strong  passions.  Ilis  education  was  solid  and  substan- 
tial, but  without  much  polish  or  refinement.     He  did  not 


REV.    JAIVIES    MC  KINNEY.  21 

much  regard  the  cold  formalities  or  ceremonious  eti(j[iiettc 
of  fashionable  patrician  society.  lie  was  a  warm-hearted, 
generous  Irishman.  He  w^as  zealous,  enterprising,  vigilant, 
and  indefatigable  in  his  Master's  service.  And,  although 
rather  stern  in  his  manner,  and  uncompromising  in  his  sec- 
tarian principles,  he  both  was  and  deserved  to  Ije  eminently 
popular  among  his  scattered  adherents.  He  had  been,  from 
his  early  youth,  an  enthusiastic  admirer  of  republican  insti- 
tutions, as  exclusively  congenial  to  the  universal  rights  of 
man. 

During  the  French  devolution,  this  gentleman  had  acted 
a  prominent  part  in  the  organization  of  a  volunteer  corps — 
a  little  patriotic  band,  in  the  neighborhood  of  Dervock, 
County  Antrim,  Ireland.  This  was  sufficient  to  excite  the 
jealousy  and  resentment  of  the  minions  of  despotism  in 
that  vicinity.  For  the  display  of  this  love  of  liberty,  he 
was  obliged,  like  many  others,  near  the  close  of  the  last  cen- 
tury, to  exile  himself  from  the  land  of  his  nativity.  This 
reverend  gentleman,  in  1793,  had  preached  in  Princetown,  a 
few  miles  from  the  city  of  Schenectady,  for  several  Sab- 
baths, with  mucli  acceptance  and  success.  Mr.  McLeod's 
connection  with  the  Eeformed  Presbyterian  Church  was 
among  the  first  fruits  of  Mr.  McKinney's  ministry  in  this 
place.  As  already  mentioned,  he  had  received  in  his  native 
land  the  rudiments  of  an  education  for  the  ministry  in  the 
established  church,  in  which  he  had  been  born  and  brought 
up.  The  second  sermon  which  Mr.  McEjnney  preached  in 
Princetown  was  on  the  fourth  verse  of  the  twenty-seventh 
Psalm  :  "  One  thing  have  I  desired  of  the  Lord,  that  will  I 
seek  after,  that  I  may  dwell  in  the  house  of  the  Lord,  all 
the  days  of  my  life,  to  behold  the  beauty  of  the  Lord,  and 
to  inquire  in  his  temple."    The  effect  of  this  sermon  on  Mr. 


22  MEMOIR   OF   ALEX.VJN'DEK   MCLEOD,    B.D. 

McLeod's  mind  immediately  determined  liim  to  embrace 
tlie  principles,  and  qualify  himself  for  the  ministiy  in  the 
Reformed  Presbyterian  Church.  He  graduated  with  dis- 
tinguished honor  in  Union  College,  Schenectady,  in  1T98. 


DISTINCTIVE  PRINCIPLES.  23 


CHAPTEE    III. 

1Y99. 

Until  his  Licensure. 

It  may  be  proper  here,  before  proceeding  furtber  in  tbe 
memoir  of  Dr.  McLeod,  to  give  a  brief  abstract  of  tbe 
distinctive  princij^les  of  tbe  Reformed  Presbyterian  Cburcb, 
to  wbicb  be  attached  himself. 

The  Westminster  Confession  of  Faith  exhibits  the  grand 
articles  of  their  creed.  They  embrace  the  system  of  di^'i- 
nity  contained  in  the  Catechisms,  larger  and  shorter.  These 
formulae  were  received  and  sanctioned  both  by  Church  and 
State.  The  nation  solemnly  covenanted  to  adhere  to  them. 
They  were  the  terms  of  civil  and  ecclesiastical  communion 
in  the  British  empire.  The  covenants,  national  and  solemn 
league,  considering  the  time  and  circumstances,  are  most 
valuable  and  important  documents.  It  must  be  admitted, 
that  the  principles  neither  of  civil  nor  religious  liberty  were 
then  so  well  imderstood  as  they  are  at  the  present  day. 
Still,  when  we  consider  the  times  in  which  our  reforming- 
ancestors  lived,  the  circumstances  with  which  they  were 
surrounded,  and  tlieir  hereditary  prejudices  concerning  the 
divine  right  of  kings,  we  should  indeed  be  astonished  that 
they  achieved  so  much.     Yerily,  the  presence  of  the  Lord 


24:  MEMOIR   OF   ALEXANDER   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

was  with  tlicm.  Tlicir  memory  and  achievements  should  be 
dear  to  every  friend  of  truth. 

The  fair  faoric  of  British  reformation,  however^  was 
lamentably  demolished  by  the  political  evolutions  of  that 
notorious  debaucliee,  Charles  the  Second,  and  his  abandoned 
coadjutors.  Still  a  small  remnant  of  the  Cliurch  of  Scot- 
land, with  uncompromising  fidelity,  declined  all  compliance 
with  the  entangling  overtures  on  the  part  of  the  govern- 
ment ;  they  spurned  all  their  criminal  indulgences,  sub- 
mitted to  every  privation,  and  endured  every  fiery  trial  that 
diabolical  malice  continued  to  inflict,  rather  than  defile  their 
consciences.  Thus  they  endured,  although  hunted  like  par- 
tridges on  the  mountains. 

After  the  expulsion  of  the  Second  James,  and  the  estab- 
lishment of  the  prince  of  Orange,  William  the  III.,  upon 
the  throne,  the  remnant  of  the  Keformed  Presb^^terian 
Churcli  refused  to  own  the  revolution  settlement,  as  being  sub- 
versive of  the  grand  national  constitution  which  had  been 
settled  at  the  Reformation,  and  which  the  three  kingdoms,  by 
the  solemn  league  and  covenant,  were  bound  to  support  and 
observe  inviolate.  Apostacy  from  former  attainments,  the 
demolition  of  the  national  constitution,  sworn  to  by  all  ranks 
in  the  realm  ;  an  opposite  oath  on  the  part  of  the  sovereign 
to  maintain  Episcopacy  in  England,  and  Presbytery  in  Scot- 
land, together  with  his  Erastian  usurpation  of  Messiah's 
headship  and  prerogative,  necessarily  precluded  them  from 
any  consistent  recognition  of  the  British  constitution,  as  then 
modelled  and  essentially  altered  and  infringed.  In  tlie  main- 
tenance of  the  spirit  and  principles  of  the  second  Peforma- 
tion,  this  reninant  grcM'  and  increased  in  Scotland,  Irehmd, 
and  in  this  country  by  emigration,  until  numbers  justified 
the  erection  of  a  separate  Judicatory  in  America,  then  con- 


refor:med  tresbyteky.  2d 

sisting  of  British  colonies.  Tlic  Reformed  Presbytery,  for 
the  fii-st  time,  was  constituted  in  America,  in  1774,  by  Rev. 
]\ressrs.  John  Cuthbertson,  Matthew  Lind,  and  Alexander 
Dobbin,  with  ruling  elders.  This  not  long  afterwards  became 
extinct,  in  the  coalescence  formed  between  these  brethren, 
and  the  associate  Presbyteries  of  Kew  York  and  Pennsyl- 
vania, in  17S2,  after  having  been  five  years  in  agitation. 
Tliis  was  not  approved  by  the  sister  judicatories,  in  the 
British  isles.  Tlicy  considered  it  rather  as  generating 
and  .increasing  schisms,  tlian  diminishing  their  numbers. 
And  this  was  a  fact.  Tlie  fragments  of  both  tlie  coalescing 
parties  rallied  around  their  respective  standards,  and  thus 
another  denomination,  designated  the  Associate  Reformed 
Church,  swelled  the  list  of  ecclesiastical  communities. 

Tlie  scattered  remnant  of  the  Reformed  Presbyterians  who 
kept  aloof  from  the  union,  applied  for  ministerial  aid  to  the 
motlicr  country.  This  aid  had  been  but  very  feebly  and 
pa,rtially  afforded,  through  lack  of  ministerial  laborers.  At 
the  time,  and  in  the  circumstances  already  stated,  the  Rev. 
J.  McKinney  arrived  in  this  country.  Mr.  McKinney  was 
a  strict  and  steady  adherent  to  the  whole  doctrine  and  sys- 
tem of  the  covenanted  reformation.  But  it  ought  not  to  be 
overlooked,  that  as  he  had  been  habitually  applying  tliosc 
doctrines  to  the  existing  immoralities  of  the  British  govern- 
ment, which  he  was  daily  exposing  and  impugning,  lie 
frequently  neglected  to  make  that  allowance  for  the  differ- 
ence between  it  and  the  government  of  the  United  States, 
which  a  just  discrimination  demanded.  lie  sometimes 
attacked  the  constitutions  and  laws  of  the  American  Repub- 
lic, with  all  the  severity  which  might  have  been  legitimately 
applied  in  Great  Britain,  where  the  covenanted  constitution 
had  been  completely  subverted,  but  which  was  to  a  great 

3 


26  SIEMOIE    OF   ALEXANDER  MCLEOD,    D.D. 

degree  inapplicable  to  the  republican  institutions  of  the  land 
of  his  ado])tion. 

The  theory  was  excellent,  and  failed  only  in  judicious 
and  discreet  application.  The  colonies  of  America  were 
not,  as  some  dreaming  enthusiasts  have  maintained,  included 
in  the  British  covenants.  They  were  not  represented  in  the 
making  of  them.  Of  course,  they  did  not,  they  could  not, 
break  them.  They,  of  course,  had  not  violated  the  funda- 
mental charter.  The  civil  institutions  of  the  United  States, 
no  douht,  fell  short,  in  regard  to  morality  and  religion,  of 
what  they  ought  to  have  had,  and  what,  consequently,  it 
must  have  been  very  desirable  that  they  should  have  had. 
But  must  everything  of  a  moral  character  be  rejected  on  the 
score  of  deficiency  alone?  Tlien,  we  must  reject  all  human 
institutions,  for  nothing  human  is  free  from  imperfection ! 
It  is  true;  to  identify  seveuty-five  with  one  hundred  would 
be  an  act  of  fatuity ;  but  to  refuse  seventy  per  cent.,  because 
one  cannot  get  the  hundred,  would  evince  something  which, 
perhaps,  is  worse. 

On  these  points  similar  views  were  entertained  hj  Mr, 
King,  who  had  some  time  before,  as  a  member  of  Committee 
of  the  Scotch  Presbytery,  arrived  in  South  Carolina.  Mr. 
Mcliinney  and  he  had  a  meeting  in  South  Carolina,  in 
which  they  transacted  some  ecclesiastical  business,  as  a 
Committee  of  the  Scottish  Presbytery,  Mr.  McKinney  act- 
ing as  a  corresjionding  member,  thereby  expressing,  as  he 
stated,  his  dissatisfaction  with  an  organization  in  a  committee 
form,  subordinate  to  a  Scottish  court,  at  moi-e  than  three 
thousand  miles'  distance.  It  was,  howcA^er,  understood  that 
that  form  of  organization  was  designed  to  be  merely  tem- 
porary, and  should,  with  all  convenient  speed,  be  superseded 
by  one  of  full  Presbyterial  powers.     Another  time  and  place 


UNION  COLLEGE.  27 

of  meeting  were  agreed  upon,  Liit  ere  the  time  arrived,  tliat 
•worthy  servant  of  Christ,  the  llev.  Mr.  King,  was  removed 
by  deatli,  and  had  entered  into  his  rest. 

Meanwhile,  Mr.  McLeod  was  prosecuting  his  academical 
stiidies  vigorously  and  successfully,  in  Union  College,  Sche- 
nectady. The  president  of  that  institution,  at  that  time,  was 
the  Rev.  Dr.  John  B.  Smith,  of  the  Presbyterian  church. 
Dr.  Smith  was  an  excellent  scholar,  an  eminent  divine,  and 
a  devout  Christian.  He  had  been,  previously  to  his  appoint- 
ment to  the  presidency  of  Union  College,  pastor  of  the  2d 
Presbyterian  church,  Pine  street,  Philadelphia.  He  was 
much  attached  to  Mr.  McLeod,  and  in  his  correspondence 
with  several  of  his  old  parishioners  in  Philadelphia,  made 
mention,  in  terms  highly  complimentary,  of  the  general 
talents,  metaphysical  acumen,  piety  and  industry  of  his 
respected  pupil.  A  sense  of  obligation  to  improve  the 
opportimity,  and  a  laudable  competition,  stimulated  into 
vigorous  exercise,  talents  of  the  first  order.  While  at  col- 
lege, he  was  a  general  fevorite,  and  formed  intimacies  witli 
many  valuable  associates,  with  numbers  of  whom,  his  friend- 
ship and  correspondence  terminated  only  w^ith  life,  ximong 
these  we  may  mention  Judges  Thompson  and  Miller ;  Chief 
Justice  Savage,  and  Doctors  Linn  and  Romeyn.  Often  has 
he  mentioned  with  delight,  the  sweet  commimion  in  science, 
literature  and  religion,  enjoyed  in  college  rooms  and  private 
walks,  with  those  pious,  noble  and  kindred  spirits,  Linn  and 
Romeyn.     Their  friendship  was  indissoluble. 

During  Mr.  McLeod's  collegiate  course,  it  was  his  custom 
to  go  out  to  Princetown  to  Walter  Maxwell's,  some  seven  or 
eight  miles  from  Schenectady,  on  Saturday  afternoon.  There 
he  spent  the  Sabbath,  attending  either  on  the  ministry  of  the 
Rev.  James  McKinney,  or  on  fellowship  meetings  with  his 


28  :\iEatom  of  alexandee  mcleod,  d.d. 

brethren,  in  prayer  and  Christian  conference.  Often  have 
we  heard  Dr.  Mc'Leod  dwell  with  peculiar  emphasis  on  the 
hospitality  and  kindness,  the  cordial  welcome  and  smile  of 
genuine  friendship,  with  which  he  was  received  by  these 
excellent,  unsophisticated  Christians.  After  the  close  of  the 
religions  services  of  the  day,  whether  in  public  worship  or 
fellowship  meetings  on  the  Sabbath,  Mr.  McLeod  spent  the 
evening  with  the  family  where  he  lodged  in  interesting  con- 
versation, on  such  topics  as  were  ever  auxiliary  to  vital 
piety  and  experimental  godliness.  Tlie  hearts  of  these  good 
people  were  indissolubly  knit  to  Mr.  McLeod  in  bonds  of  the 
purest  affection.  His  was  a  soul  capable  of  duly  appreciat- 
ing, and  vividly  enjoying  the  interesting  tliough  homely 
society  of  those  excellent  Christians.  Andrew  McMillan  or 
Walter  Maxwell  would,  on  Monday  morning,  be  np  before 
daybreak,  have  the  horses  prepared,  and  the  rude  but 
safe  and  comfortable  vehicle  in  readiness,  to  convey 
their  guest  to  Schenectady,  in  due  season  for  attending  the 
duties  of  the  college  classes. 

In  composing  this  memoir  we  regret  much  that,  so  far  as 
we  have  been  able  to  ascertain,  there  remain  no  specimens 
of  Mr.  McLeod's  comj^osition,  either  in  juvenile  essays,  or 
public  declamations  ;  whether  preparatory  to,  or  at  the  time. 
of  graduation.  Destitute  of  any  remains  of  his  intellectual 
efforts  during  his  adolescence  and  academical  career,  we  have 
nothing  to  compare  with  the  more  matured  effusions  of  his 
riper  years.  Tliat  there  were  manuscripts  in  existence  which 
are  now  lost  for  ever,  we  have  sufficient  reason  to  believe. 
On  inquiring  of  his  son,  and  successor,  the  Ecv.  John  N. 
McLeod,  of  l^ew  York,  for  documents  of  this  description,  it 
was  found  the  Doctor,  not  long  before  his  decease,  had  shut 
himself  up  in  his  study,  and  leaving  culled  out  uumerous 


DOCUMENTS  'SUPPEESSED.  29 

papers  and  manuscripts  wliicli  lie  did  not  wisli  to  survive 
him,  or  meet  tlie  public  eye,  committed  tliem  to  tlie  flames  ! 
Among  these  there  were,  no  doubt,  many  of  his  juvenile 
productions,  which,  however  interesting  they  might  have 
appeared  to  others,  and  useful  to  his  biographer,  in  aiding  to 
a  more  finished  development  of  certain  traits  of  character, 
had,  nevertheless,  been  in  his  own  opinion,  not  deserving  of 
preservation.  Ilis  deliberate  object  in  all  his  performances 
was  to  serve  God  and  do  good  to  mankind.  Whatever  he 
had  in  manuscript,  which,  in  his  opinion,  might  not  be 
evidently  calculated  to  effect  this  all-important  end,  he  would 
not  obtrude  upon  the  world.  He  was  a  most  rigorous  critic 
on  his  own  performances ;  and,  doubtless  suppressed  much 
which  many  of  his  friends,  impartial  judges  too,  would  have 
considered  both  pleasing  and  profitable. 

After  Mr.  McLeod  had  received  his  well-earned  collegiate 
honors,  he  betook  himself  formally  to  the  study  of  Theology, 
under  the  direction  of  his  friend  and  pastor,  the  Eev.  Mr. 
Mclvinney.  While  the  Biele,  the  book  of  God,  was  his  grand 
text-book,  which  with  much  prayerful  attention  and  diligence 
he  studied  and  endeavored  to  understand,  and  on  which  he 
brought  to  bear  all  the  resources  of  his  powerful  intellect ; 
his  principal  systematic  expounder,  whom  he  read  collater- 
ally with  the  sacred  text,  was  Francis  Turretine.  During 
his  study  of  this  profound  divine,  whose  system  of  Theology 
stands  still  unsurpassed  by  the  more  modern  productions,  Mr. 
McLeod  compendized  the  greater  part  of  the  tojyics,  and 
thus  possessed,  as  it  were,  a  miniature  view  of  the  argu- 
ments j^j>r<9  and  con^  touching  the  grand  doctrines  of  Biblical 
divinity. 

About  this  time,  in  the  fall  of  1707,  when  the  insurrec- 
tionary movements  in  Ireland — the  origin  of  Mr.  McKinney's 


30  MEMOIR   OF   ALEXANDER   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

exile  from  his  native  land — had  reached  an  alarming  height, 
many,  especially  the  more  conspicuous  of  the  Eeformed 
Presbyterians,  were  under  the  necessity  of  selecting  some 
one  of  these  th-ee  consequences,  some  one  of  Avhich  must 
unavoidably  result  from  their  existing  position.  First ^  sin, 
by  polluting  their  consciences  in  swearing  an  immoral  oath 
of  allegiance  to  a  tyrannical  government.  Second,  suffer,  by 
being  perhaps  shot — on  the  instant^ — on  the  spot — or  hanged 
without  trial,  at  the  discretion  of  a  ruffian  soldiery  ;  or  if 
trial  was  allowed,  it  -was  a  mere  mockery,  under  martial  law, 
and  in  ninety-nine  cases  out  of  the  hundred,  resulted  in  con- 
demnation. Third,  To  flee  and  exile  themselves  from  the 
se^mlchrcs  of  their  fathers.  Unwilling  either  to  pollute  their 
consciences,  or  become  the  victims  of  ruthless  cruelty,  they 
chose  the  last ;  exile  from  their  dearly  beloved  country.  In 
this  state  of  things  the  Eev.  Wm.  Gibson,  from  Ballymena, 
county  Antrim,  Ireland,  accompanied  by  Messrs.  Black  and 
"Wylie,  graduates  of  tlie  University  of  Glasgow,  were  obliged 
to  leave  their  native  home ;  and,  of  course,  directed  their 
views  to  the  United  States,  the  land  of  liberty  and  the  asylum 
of  the  oppressed  from  every  clime.  Messrs.  Black  and 
Wylie  having  completed  their  college  education,  and  having 
devoted  themselves  to  the  service  of  God  in  the  gospel  of 
his  Son,  were  now  entering  on  special  preparation  for  the 
sacred  work.  In  the  course  of  the  ensuing  winter,  they  had 
both  obtained  tutorships  in  the  University  of  Pennsylvania, 
in  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  where  they  were  now  located 
for  a  season.  Hero  they  were  enabled  to  obtain  competent 
subsistence  ;  and  could  prosecute  their  theological  studies, 
which  they  did  under  the  occasional  inspection  of  the  Eev. 
Wm.  Gibson.  This  gentleman  officiated  alternatel}',  in  equal 
periods  of  time,  in  New  York  and  Philadelphia.    The  society 


PRESBYTERY   CONSTITUTED.  31 

in  Philadelphia  was  small  and  feeble,  bnt  very  animated  and 
nobly  genei'ons  in  contributing  to  the  support  of  the  gospel. 

In  the  course  of  t]ic  spring,  1708,  Eev.  Mr.  McKinney 
met  Rev.  Mr,  Gibson  in  Philadelphia,  and  sensi])le  that  a 
mere  committee  of  the  Irish  Presbytery  was  utterly  inade- 
<iuate  to  the  existing  exigencies  of  the  church,  in  her  pre- 
sent circumstances ;  and,  besides,  having  no  delegated 
authority  fi-oni  Ireland  for  such  an  organization ;  and,  more- 
over, knowing  that  they  had,  from  the  church's  Head,  the 
key  of  government  committed  to  them  as  well  as  that  of 
doctrine;  to  meet  these  exigencies  of  the  case,  and  on  the 
footing  of  these  principles,  after  much  deliberation  and  due 
consultation  with  the  elders  in  Philadelphia,  it  was  finally 
resolved  to  organize  themselves  into  a  Presbyterial  ca2)a- 
city ;  which  resolution  was  immediately  carried  into  effect. 

At  this  meeting  of  Presbytery,  Messrs.  McLeod,  Black 
and  AVylie  were  formally  recognized  as  students  of  theology, 
taken  under  the  care  of  the  court,  and  pieces  of  trial  were 
assigned  them,  to  be  in  readiness  for  the  next  meeting  of 
Presbytery,  in  the  month  of  August  following,  to  be  held  in 
the  city  of  New  York. 

Shortly  after  his  arrival  in  Carolina,  Mr.  King,  from  the 
Scotch  Presbytery,  received  under  his  care  as  student  of 
divinity,  Mr.  Thomas  Donelly,  a  yomig  man  who  had 
received  part  of  a  collegiate  education  in  the  University  of 
Glasgow,  and  had  finished  it  at  Dickinson  College,  Carlisle, 
with  a  view  to  the  gospel  ininistr3\  The  Scottish  commit- 
tee in  South  Carolina  having  become  extinct,  Mr.  King 
standing  now  alone,  had,  as  has  been  already  mentioned, 
contemplated  a  meeting  with  Mr.  McKinney.  Tliis  meet- 
ing was  to  have  been  held  in  the  District  of  Columbia.  Mr. 
King  liaving   been    arrested    by   death    before   the   time 


32  ilEMOm   OF   ALEXAKDEK   MCLEOD,   D.D. 

appointed  for  meeting,  Mr.  Donelly  was  ordered  to  continue 
the  prosecution  of  his  studies,  and  repair  Xorthward  at  a 
convenient  season,  of  which  he  should  be  duly  notified,  to 
exhibit  si^ecimens  of  trial  for  licensure.  Agreeably  to  ad- 
joui'nment,  Presbytery  met  in  August,  1798,  in  the  city  of 
'New  York.  Previously  to  this  meeting,  the  sacrament  of 
the  Lord's  supper  was  dispensed  by  Eev.  Messrs.  McKinney 
and  Gibson,  to  a  small  society  of  Keformed  Presbyterians  in 
that  city.  Tlie  number  was  indeed  small.  Including  the 
members  of  the  same  denomination  present  from  Philadel- 
phia and  Coldenham,  perhaps  the  whole  did  not  amount  to 
twenty — yet  it  was  more  than  the  number  present  at  the 
institutmi  of  this  encharistic  feast.  It  was  on  that  occasion 
that  Mr.  McLeod  first  met  Messrs.  Black  and  Wylie.  How 
anxiously  expected  was  that  interview,  both  by  him  and 
them  !  They  had  been,  previously,  mutually  acquainted 
through  the  medium  of  Mr.  McKinney.  This,  with  many 
other  considerations,  greatly  increased  the  interest  of  their 
meeting.  They  met.  They  conversed.  Tliey  communed 
in  the  symbols  of  the  body  and  blood  of  the  Pedeemer. 
They  ate  and  drank  into  the  same  spirit.  They  became  in- 
dissoluble friends  through  the  nnction  of  the  Spirit  of  that 
Saviour,  who  is  Himself  a  friend  that  sticketh  closer  than  a 
brother.  Tlie  intimacy  then  commenced  always  grew  and 
ripened,  and  yielded  the  delightful  fruits  of  fraternal,  official 
and  Christian  inter-communion.  It  never  experienced  the 
scorching  influence  of  jealousy,  or  the  chilling  blasts  of  dis- 
trust. It  was  no  easy  task  to  know  McLeod  without  esteem- 
ing and  loving  him. 

On  the  Tuesday  after  the  sacrament,  Messrs.  McLeod, 
Black  and  Wylie  were  called  upon  by  Presbytery  to  deliver, 
liivd  voce,  the  pieces  of  trial  which  had  been  formerly  pre?- 


TRIAL   DISCOUKSES.  33 

scribed  to  tliem.  The  meeting  wiis  held  on  a  place  then 
called  "The  Okchakd."  This  was  the  country  residence  of 
Mr.  John  Agnew,  merchant  in  'New  York,  a  most  staunch, 
intelligent,  and  worthy  Keformed  Presbyterian.  The  candi- 
dates were  heard ;  their  pieces  of  trial  were  severally  sus- 
tained, and  others  assigned  to  them.  Mr.  McLeod's  mascu- 
line grasp  of  his  subject;  his  arrangement;  his  manner  of 
delivery;  his  self-possession,  and  the  tovt  ensemhle,  could 
leave  no  doubt  on  the  mind  of  any  intelligent  auditor,  that 
he  possessed  talents  of  the  first  order. 

After  a  few  days  spent  in  visiting  the  different  families, 
then  attached  to  the  Church  in  that  city,  as  well  as  in  plea- 
surable and  profitable  excursions  through  the  environs  of 
]^ew  York,  Mr.  McLeod  separated  from  his  new  friends  and 
associates,  and  returned  to  Galway  with  Mr.  McKinney, 
who  had  a  temporary  appointment  in  [N^ew  York,  to  which 
he  repaired.  Messrs.  Black  and  Wylie  returned  to  Philadel- 
phia, where  the  yellow  fever  was  then  raging  with  tre- 
mendous violence,  reducing  the  city  by  flight  of  the  inhabi- 
tants to  the  country,  almost  to  a  desolation.  These  two 
young  men  were  obliged  also  to  flee  to  the  country,  which 
in  the  benignity  of  Divine  Providence,  proved  a  healthful 
asylum  to  them  and  the  other  refugees  from  pestilence. 

Let  us  now  follow  Mr.  McLeod,  after  his  return  with  Mr. 
McKinney  to  Galway.  His  devotedness  to  the  service  of 
God  in  the  gospel  of  his  Son,  was  remarkably  evinced,  during 
the  whole  course  of  his  theological  studies,  preparatory  for 
licensure.  This  was  manifested  by  his  life  and  conversation 
among  those  with  whom  he  associated.  But  the  strongest 
collateral  proofs  have  just  fallen  under  our  eye,  by  becoming 
possessed  of  a  short  journal  he  made  after  his  return  to  ^N'ew 
York,  where  lie  delivered  his  first  trial  discourses  in  public. 


34:  MEMOm   OF  ALEXi'LNDEE   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

This  journal  commences,  Angnst,  lYOS,  and  is  complete  until 
ITovember  28tli,  1799.  That  this  is  only  an  isolated  fragment, 
detached  from  its  antecedent  and  subsequent  portions,  there 
is  the  strongest  reason  to  believe.  Of  this  we  are  the  more 
confident,  because  we  had  once  a  glance  of  a  similar  journal 
of  the  portion  of  time  between  the  last  above-mentioned 
date,  and  the  time  of  his  licensure.  In  this  diary,  the  man- 
ner of  commencing  the  day,  its  business,  its  progress,  and 
its  close,  are  regularly  stated.  The  whole  bears  evidence,  that 
it  was  never  by  him  intended  for  the  public  eye.  It  would 
be  an  infraction  on  the  right  of  the  venerable  dead,  to  tran- 
scribe the  whole.  Some  few  selections  may  be  profitably 
made  in  perfect  consistency  with  the  author's  religious  deli- 
cacy. Mr.  McLeod  was  never  ostentatious  of  his  religious 
experiences.  He  profited  by  them  himself,  and  they  quali- 
fied him  in  humility  to  benefit  others,  who  were  fearers  of 
the  Lord.  But  he  was  always  averse  to  proclaiming  them 
on  the  housetops.  He  was  a  modest  Christian.  He  felt 
more  of  the  power  of  godliness,  than  he  felt  himself  will- 
ing to  proclaim  to  the  w^orld,  as  his  own  experience.  They 
lost  nothing  by  this  suppression.  It  was  always  faithfully 
developed  to  his  audience  in  showing  what  the  real  saints  of 
God  did  experience.  Through  this  medium  and  in  this  man- 
ner, he  told  the  true  fearers  of  the  Lord,  what  He  had  done 
for  his  soul. 

In  this  journal,  we  have  an  account  of  his  devotional 
exercises,  and  studies.  The  books  he  perused,  an  analysis  of 
their  contents,  judicious  observations  on  the  matter  contained 
in  tliem,  and  appropriate  reflections  both  on  the  authors 
studied,  and  the  public  occurrences  of  that  eventful  period. 
Eut  take  the  following  specimens  transcribed  from  tlie  jour- 
nal itself.     "We  select  such  portions  as  himself,  in  full  con- 


CRITICAL    EEMAEKS.  35 

sistency  with  religious  modesty,  miglit  have  allowed  to  meet 
the  public  eye. 

JOURNAL. 

Monday,  August  20th,  1708. — "Read  third  chapter  of 
Genesis ;  and  after  the  usual  solemnities  of  the  morning 
were  over,  committed  a  short  comment  upon  it  to  paper. 
Head  thirty  pages  in  the  first  volume  of  Turretine's  system 
of  Divinity,  and  wrote  an  abstract  of  its  contents.  I  then 
read  through  Lord  Erskine's  view  of  the  causes  and  conse- 
quences of  the  present  Britisli  and  French  wars,  contained  in 
seventy-seven  octavo  pages.  This  is  indeed  the  workmanship 
of  a  master  artist.  Tliat  disinterestedness  and  virtuous  bold- 
ness for  which  the  author  is  universally  admired,  shines 
through  every  page.  lie  traces  the  conduct  of  the  British 
ministry,  through  all  its  intricate  windings,  and  develops  to 
the  eye  of  candor,  its  infamy  and  deceit.  With  magnani- 
mity he  professes  himself  a  whig,  and  with  elegance  and 
true  eloquence,  he  justifies  certain  ministerial  measures  in 
Parliament.  "Without  invective,  without  bitterness,  he  with 
manly  modesty,  calls  upon  his  countrymen  to  assert  their 
rights.  With  the  accuracy  and  the  dignity  of  a  historian, 
he  has  predicted  consequences  which  have  since  been  veri- 
fied. He  makes  a  true  discrimination  between  infidelity  and 
whiggism,  which  the  ignorant,  the  hypocritical,  and  the 
designing  universally  combine.  This  is  a  work  which  will 
be  esteemed  by  an  impartial  posterity. 

"  I  after  this  -wi'ote  a  letter  to  Mr.  Myers,  of  the  German 
Flats,  containing  indirect  remarks  upon  his  politics.  In  the 
evening  I  heard  a  fiying  report  of  Bonaparte's  safe  arrival 
in  L'eland.  I  rejoiced  for  a  prospect  of  delivery  to  that 
injured  people.     Oppression  seems  to  be  drawing  near  its 


36  MEMOIR   OF   ALEXA^s'DEE  MCLEOD,    D.D. 

grave.  I,  as  usual,  closed  the  day  by  secret  and  family 
prayer :  for,  thongli  a  single  lodger  now  in  tlie  family  of  Mr. 
Eoss,  I  take  one-half  of  the  day's  family  devotions,  as  the 
mouth  of  its  members  to  God." 

Fkidat,  24ifA  Aiigust^  1798. — "  I  read  thirty  pages  more 
of  Turretine,  and  compendized  them  as  usual ;  also  twenty 
in  Burke's  letters  to  a  member  of  the  British  Parliament. 
This  great  and  eccentric  orator,  who,  in  the  morning  of  his 
life,  was  the  redoubted  champion  of  public  liberty  ;  but,  in 
the  evening  of  his  day  became  its  venal  and  determined  foe, 
burns  with  his  own  lustre  to  the  very  socket.  His  vehe- 
mence, his  persj)icuity,  his  pathetic  eloquence,  glow  in  every 
page.  The  beauty  of  his  style,  and  the  ardor  of  his  soul, 
make  us  overlook  the  venality  of  his  design.  The  magnitude 
of  the  subject,  the  truth  of  his  premises,  and  the  danger  with 
which  he  threatens  the  country,  almost  force  one  to  assent 
to  the  unjust  conclusions  which  he  draws.  He  advises 
to  a  powerful  and  vigorous  exertion  against  the  regicide 
republic,  as  the  only  possible  means  of  salvation  to  Britain. 
The  day  was  concluded  as  usual,  by  family  and  secret 
devotions." 

Wedkesdat,  '2Uh  October^  1798. — "Eead  twenty-six  pages 
of  Thorburn's  Yindication  of  Magistracy.  Mr.  Thorburn's 
style  is  not  agreeable,  but  his  work  is  abstract,  argumenta- 
tive, solid  and  accurate.  As  men  make  known  their  minds 
by  looks  and  gestures,  so  does  God  His  laws,  by  His  works, 
His  words,  and  the  j^nnciples  placed  in  tiic  souls  of  men. 
ISTevertheless,  the  Divine  law  is  one,  moral  and  natural. 
The  moral  goodness  of  any  society  on  earth,  must  be 
determined  by  the  conformity  of  its  nature  and  ends,  to  the 


MR.   TnORBUEN.  37 

* 

dictates  of  the  Divine  lave.  The  moral  relations  between 
rulers  and  ruled,  and  the  essential  duties  arising  therefrom, 
must  depend  upon  the  Divine  law,  which  is  universal 
and  obligatory. 

"His  opponent,  Mr.  Thompson,  asserts  that  the  original 
radical  power  is  in  the  body  of  the  people,  or  body  politic. 
That  all  qualifications  of  magistrates,  and  all  constitutional 
regulations,  proceed  from  the  people  alone.  Mr.  Thorburn 
affirms  and  demonstrates,  that  all  power  is  from  God.  All 
authority  bestowed  on  magistrates  is,  by  Ilim,  limited  to  the 
Divine  law.  All  conventions  of  men  are,  in  their  acts,  con- 
fined to  its  eternal  dictates.  Whatever  contradicts  the  laws 
of  Heaven  is,  by  such  contradiction,  void.  The  power  of 
society  is  derived  and  subordinate ;  not  original  and  supreme. 
Tliey  have  no  right,  by  their  laws,  to  infringe  upon  the  laws 
of  Heaven.  Twenty  pages  further  contain  many  philosophi- 
cal remarks.  The  constitution  of  civil  authority,  as  well  as 
its  institution,  is  divine,  i.  e.  moral.  !N'ot,  simply,  as  to 
rational  agency  or  providential  permission.  In  that  sense, 
the  association  of  robbers,  and  the  government  of  thieves 
and  devils  in  hell,  are  divine!  But  the  essential  ingredients 
of  the  constitution  should  be  in  agreeableness  to  the  pre- 
ceptive wall  of  God.  That  the  ]3ower  of  the  magistrate 
should  be  warranted  by  the  moral  law,  in  respect  to  its 
nature,  ends,  subject,  manner  of  acquisition,  and  the  condi- 
tion upon  which  it  is  held.  Power  is  natural  and  moral. 
Katural  consists  in  external  force  and  strength,  and  is  com- 
mon to  us  with  the  brutes.  Moral  implies  a  legitimate  title 
— right  and  warrant  to  act.  Eight  is  founded  upon  duty 
and  obligation ;  and  this,  in  an  individual,  extends  to  the 
thoughts,  designs  and  actions,  including  the  due  disposal  of 
Lis  property.     In  a  State  or  society,  it  extends  to  the  estab- 


38  MEMOIK   OF   ALEX^VNDEE   MC_LEOD,    D.D. 

lislnnent  of  order,  rule  and  government.  It  is  tlicir  duty, 
and  they  have  a  riglit  to  establisli  such  laws  as  shall  conduce 
to  their  safety  and  happiness,  and  such  as  shall  be  calculated 
to  do  justice  and  righteousness  to  botli  God  and  man.  Con- 
formably to  this,  it  is  their  duty,  and  they  have  a  right  to 
choose  one  or  more  executors  of  their  designs.  The  power 
with  which  persons  thus  elected  are  invested  is,  properly, 
authority.  Power  and  authority,  though  confounded  by  his 
opponents,  are  really  different.  Power,  is  the  state  existing 
under  the  laws  of  rectitude ;  authority,  is  the  just  delegation 
of  that  power  to  one  or  more,  who  shall  exercise  it  according 
to  existing  stipulations.  Cicero  deLegibus,Vih.  3.  "Potestas 
in  populo ;  auctoritas  in  Senatu."  Power  is  directly  from 
God,  deposited  in  the  people :  authority,  mediately  through 
the  voice  of  the  people.  The  ioYin<di\  natural  j  the  latter, 
adventitious.  In  order  to  constitute  moral  power,  moral 
ca2:)acity  is  necessary.  In  order  to  constitute  authority, 
moral  ability  and  just  means  of  acquisition  must  be  super- 
added :  both  are  under  the  restrictions  and  limitations  of  the 
supreme  moral  governor.  Tliese  funamentals  he  supports 
by  the  authority  of  Knox,  Ileineccius,  Gordon,  Harrington, 
Sydney,  tfcc,  Szo.. 

"  Compendized  twenty-four  pages  of  Turretine,  finishing 
his  eighth  topic.  Passed  the  evening  at  Mr.  McKinney's. 
Closed  as  usual  with  self-dedication  to  God." 

TnuKSBAY,  Tith  Decenibcr,  1798.— "  Pead  100  pages 
'Robertson's  Proofs  of  Conspiracy.'  The  frivolities  of 
Masonry  are  here  laid  open  by  a  Freemason.  Masonic 
associations  were  first  confined  to  builders,  who  met  for 
mutual  help.  In  1G48,  Mr.  Ashmade  was  admitted  into 
a  lodge  at  Warrington,  as  the  first  instance  of  a  Freemason, 


CHEISTIAN  EXPERIENCE.  39 

Immediately  afterwards,  the  royalists  and  Jesuits  constituted 
tliese  private  meetings,  nurseries  of  support  to  the  house  of 
Stuart.  The  symbols  of  the  Master's  degree  are  manifest 
allusions  to  the  suppression  of  democracy  and  the  resurrec- 
tion of  royalty  at  the  Restoration.  Charles  the  Second  was  a 
Freemason.  Shortly  thereafter  Masonry  was  introduced 
into  the  Continent,  in  order  to  support  the  sinking  interest 
of  the  Pretender.  But  the  lodges  were  soon  converted  to 
seminaries  of  infidelity.  I  spent  the  evening  in  society  at 
Mr.  Shearer's." 

Tuesday,  1^^  January^  1T99. — ""With  fearful  and  solemn 
steps  I  this  morning  attempted  to  take  a  retrospective  view 
of  the  elapsed  year.  Many  acts  of  impiety  and  folly 
have  tarnished  the  lustre  of  moral  beauty  with  which  I  have 
been  endeavoring  to  clothe  my  conduct.  Tliis  calls  for 
lamentation  and  repentance.  Tlie  journey  which  I  per- 
formed, however,  was  often  rendered  agreeable  by  signal 
manifestations  of  Divine  protection,  sometimes  discovered 
through  the  medium  of  kind  friends,  and  often  by  the 
immediate  consolations  of  the  church's  Comforter.  This 
admonishes  to  a  strong  hope  and  permanent  confidence  in 
God." 

Friday,  UJi  January^  1799. — "  This  day  I  commenced  my 
regular  course  of  study.  I  read  a  chapter  in  the  Greek 
Testament,  and  compendized  thirty-three  pages  of  Turretine. 
De  qfficiis  Mcdlatoris.  I  also  devoted  some  part  of  the 
time  to  committing  my  discourse  on  Eomans  v.  1.  to 
memory.  This  I  find  an  extremely  arduous  task.  I  amused 
myself  in  the  afternoon  with  '  Zimmerman's  Solitude.'  A 
desultory   work,   which,   without    system,    without    order, 


40  MEMOIR  OF  ALEXAJSDER  MCLEOD,   D.D. 

charms  tlie  heart,  exalts  the  soul  to  God,  and  enlarges  the 
mind  with  bold  conceptions." 

Sabbath,  Qth  January,  1Y99. — "  Spent  at  Society  at  Mr. 
McTvinney's.  The  cpestlon  discussed  was  suggested  by 
Psalm  ii.  11.  '  Rejoice  with  trembling.'  Mr.  King  showed 
the  reasonableness  of  the  injunction.  I  explained  the  nature 
of  the  exercise,  and  added  three  reasons  to  enforce  its  pro- 
priety. 1.  The  nature  of  God.  2.  The  nature  of  a  Christian, 
and  3.  The  general  appearance  of  I'rovidence." 

Thtjesdat,  alst  Jcuiuavy^  1T90. — "This  morning  I  experi- 
enced more  than  usual  comfort  and  enlargement  in  dis- 
chargi)ig  the  exercises  of  religious  worship.  M}^  Presby- 
terial  trials  and  the  subsecpTcnt  steps  to  be  taken,  bore  upon 
my  mind  with  unusual  solemnity;  but  with  serene  joy. 
After  this  I  perused  fifty-six  pages  of  Butler's  Analogy  ; 
devoted  some  time  to  the  Hebrew  grammar  ;  committed  to 
memory  five  pages  more  of  my  trial  lecture  ;  reviewed  130 
pages  of  Kicholson's  Philosophy,  and  perused  the  Albany 
Register  and  Gazette  of  the  28th  inst. 

Monday,  February  11th,  1Y99. — ^Took  a  private  sleigh  to 
Albany,  whence  upon  Tuesday  afternoon  I  set  out  for  Xew 
York  in  the  mail  stage.  After  riding  early  and  late  in  cold, 
disagreeable  weather,  and  with  bad  roads,  and  often  very 
bad  carriages,  I  arrived  at  Xew  York  Friday  afternoon, 
being  the  15th  February,  1T99.  The  time  between  this  and 
the  21st,  the  day  appointed  for  the  Presbyterial  meeting,  I 
designed  to  employ  in  reviewing  my  discourses.  Monday, 
18th,  when  preparing  to  review  my  discourses,  I  found  that 
they  ^  were  lost.     Every   attempt  to   find  the    manuscript 


MANTTSCEIFTS  LOST.  41 

proved  abortive.  My  agitation  of  mind  was,  npon  this 
occasion,  great — so  great  that  I  could  not  think  even  upon 
the  subject  of  my  exercises.  I  was  also  very  muck 
chagrined  at  the  loss  of  a  compend  I  had  formed  of  the  two 
first  volumes  of  Turretine's  Theology.  Tuesday,  letters  bring 
information  that  the  candidates  there  cannot  come  forward 
to  the  Presbytery,  owing  to  their  situation  as  tutors  in 
the  University.  Upon  this  it  was  thought  expedient  to 
adjourn  the  meeting  to  Philadelphia,  lest  by  impeding 
their  progress  the  church  should  sufler." 

Wednesday,  Februanj  19^A,  1799, 10  o'clock,  J.. J/.— "Mr. 
McKinney  opened  the  Presbytery  with  an  animated  and 
solid  discourse  upon  Kevelation,  v.  14,  first  clause.  "  And 
the  four  beasts  said  Amen."  When  expatiating  on  the 
severely  agitated  state  of  the  world,  he  showed  how  the 
clim-ch  was  necessarily  involved  in  civil  commotions ;  and 
the  duty  of  her  children.  The  concise  mode  of  his  ex^n-es- 
sions,  the  energetic  solemnity  of  his  thonghts,  and  the  feel- 
ing but  dignified  appearance  of  his  countenance,  commanded 
the  attention,  and  arrested  the  passions  of  every  auditor. 
He  concluded.  I  felt  much  agitated  upon  rising  immedi- 
ately after  him.  Every  eye  of  a  fnll  house  was  fixed  upon 
me.  They  expected  much ;  I  knew  they  would  be  disap- 
pointed. My  thoughts  were  gone— my  eyes  were  fixed— 
my  motions  suspended— a  single  gesture  I  could  not  com- 
mand. I  became  confused,  but  still  went  on.  I  frequently 
knew  not  what  I  said ;  it  might  have  been  nonsense,  but  I 
was  not  conscious.  My  connections  were  neglected.  I, 
however,  delivered  my  lecture,  in  its  mangled  form,  without 
stopping.  I  read  a  few  lines  of  a  psalm  ;  while  they  sung, 
I  retired— I  wallvcd  in  another  room — I  recovered  myself, 

4 


42  JIEMOIR   OF   ALEXA2JDEE   MCLEOD,    D,D. 

and  became  composed.  Having  returned,  I  oflered  a  sliort 
supplication  to  the  throne  above,  and  proceeded  witb  my 
trial  sermon.  I  now  could  look  my  audience  in  the  face. 
I  understood  my  subject,  I  felt  its  importance,  and  com- 
municated it  to  my  auditors  witli  ardor  and  energy.  Still, 
I  felt  disconcerted  when,  involuntarily  as  it  were,  I  added 
to  my  words  an  expressive  gesture.  Both  my  exercises 
were,  however,  sustained  by  the  Presbytery." 


TmTKSDAY,  2l8f,  1  o'clock,  P.M. — "  I  sailed  in  company 
with  Mr.  McKinney  and  twelve  other  passengers,  from  ISTew 
York,  in  the  packet  for  Amboy.  The  wind  was  strong  and 
fair,  but  the  day  cold  and  wet.  "We  landed  at  Amboy  at  a 
quarter  of  an  hour  before  four  o'clock.  At  seven  o'clock, 
P.M.,  on  the  following  day,  we  arrived  in  Bordentown — 
intending  to  sail  down  the  Delaware  next  morning.  The 
weather  was  exceedingly  cold ;  and  though  we  put  our  bag- 
gage on  board  the  packet  in  the  evening,  the  following 
morning  the  river  was  frozen  over,  strong  enough  to  bear  a 
traveller  on  the  ice.  JSlext  morning  we  arrived  in  Philadel- 
phia. The  republican  simplicity  in  which  this  city  is  con- 
structed, gives  to  posterity  a  lively  representation  of  the 
sage,  its  founder.  On  Tuesday,  26th,  Mr.  Gibson  having 
arrived,  the  Presbytery  was  constituted.  The  candidates, 
Messrs.  Wylie  and  Black,  gave  in  their  trials,  and  the  plans 
of  the  ensuing  season  were  settled." 

Galwat,  /SallafI),  A2?rU  \Uh,  1799. — "This  morning  ray 
spirits  were  unusually  solemn,  but  the  solemnity  was  not 
painful.  Tlie  day  was  spent  in  society-fellowshii).  While 
at  prayer,  I  was  led  particularly  to  a  sight  and  sense  of  sin. 


K"EALITT   IN   KELIGION.  43 

Tliouglitfiilncss  Tvas  tlie  characteristic  of  my  mind.  I  retired 
to  the  fields.  God  gave  my  soul  a  comfortable  visit.  For 
weeks  past  my  frame  was  cold.  I  had  neglected  the  spirit 
of  secret  prayer,  though  not  its  form.  I  covenanted  with 
God,  He  wrote  a  sense  of  pardon  on  my  heart.  I  sung 
with  delectation  the  103d  j)salm.  Depending  upon  the 
strength  of  Christ's  grace,  I  determined  not  to  neglect  my 
studies  or  my  duties  for  any  earthly  pleasure,  however  inno- 
cent it  might  be  in  itself.  I  laid  me  down  in  peace,  and 
meditated  upon  Jesus  in  the  night  watches — when  I  mused, 
the  fire  burned.  There  is  a  reality  in  religion;  my  soul 
feels  it.  He  that  believeth  hath  the  witness  within  himself. 
Every  experienced  saint  has  an  immediate  revelation  from 
God." 

Monday,  April  15th. — "  I  rose  early.  The  atmosphere 
was  serene.  l!^o  cloud  made  its  appearance.  Tlie  silver  sky 
had  just  received  its  golden  tint  from  the  rising  sun.  The 
snow  was  hard  and  smooth.  The  warbling  of  the  feathery 
songsters  was  heard  for  the  first.  Their  soothing  notes  came 
floating  over  with  the  silent  breeze,  I  had  not  proceeded 
far  in  my  morning  ramble,  M'hen  the  sun  was  e^^iancipated. 
The  snow  sparkled  under  my  feet  like  diamonds.  Tlie 
music  of  the  grove  became  more  sweet  and  audible.  Tlie 
sheep  bleating  for  their  lambs,  ran  wherever  they  could 
perceive  a  spot  of  earth,  free  from  snow,  where  the  tender 
grass  discovered  its  green  blades,  in  beautiful  contrast  with 
the  surrounding  snow.  I  felt  a  self-reproaching  pang.  All 
nature  praised  its  God ;  but  I  was  silent.  This  reproach 
was  pleasurable.  I  embraced  God  in  the  arms  of  my  faith. 
I  joined  the  creatures  in  praising  Him.  I  found  com- 
fort." 


44         MEMOIK  OF  ALEXANDER  MCLEOD,  D.D. 

Tuesday,  16th  April. — "  Mild  weather — neither  clear  nor 
cloudy,  but  warm  and  growing.  Like  a  desponding  heart 
which  has  some  glimmerings  of  hope — like  a  soothing,  plea- 
sm-able  melancholy — it  disposes  my  heart  to  feel  these  very 
emotions.  I  am  resigned  in  a  joyful,  sorrowful  frame  to  God 
— a  frame  which  is  indeed  a  composition  of  contradictions. 
But  I  seek  not  to  exchange  it." 

Wednesday,  May  1st,  1799. — "The  annual  commence- 
ment of  Union  College  returned.  Fourteen  were  admitted 
to  the  degree  of  Bachelor  in  Arts.  Judge  Benson  had  a 
Doctorate  of  Laws  conferred  ujDon  him.  At  even  I  delivered 
my  address  to  the  Philomathean  Society,  in  the  presence  of 
a  numerous  and  respectable  body  of  honorary,  as  well  as 
attending  members.  The  Adelphi  Society  were  also  present." 

Friday,  lO^A  May. — "  This  is  the  lirst  day  that  can  be 
called  a  fine  summer  day.  The  morning  was  beautiful.  A 
light  fog  gently  floating  about  the  air,  and  the  sunbeams 
painting  a  thousand  colors  upon  the  distant  landscaj)e  by  its 
delicate  pencil.  Soon  the  clouds  began  to  drop  refreshing 
showers,  warm  and  fructifying.  I  wrote  a  part  of  my  exer- 
cise in  English — wrote  to  Mr.  Wylie  an  answer  to  his  long 
and  interesting  letter  received  the  first  of  May." 

"Wednesday,  22/^?.  —  "I  understood  Mr.  Gibson  had 
requested  a  meeting  of  Presbytery  at  the  Wallkill,  with  an 
intention  to  finish  the  trials  of  the  candidates  immediately. 
Being  thus  taken  unexpectedly,  I  went  oft'  to  Schenectady, 
in  order  to  provide  myself  Avith  sources  for  the  extraction 
of  materials  of  a  history  of  the  Reformation.  Dr.  Ivomeyn 
gave  me  Spanheim  and  Iloi-nius,  two  Latin  Ecclesiastical 


HIGHLAiroEES.  45 

Histories.     I  got  Moslieim  from  tlie  college  library.     I  was 
favored  witli  lettei*s  from  my  worthy  and  affectionate  sisters." 

Satukday,  l^th. — "  Finished  my  disconrse  for  trials,  and 
in  the  evening  rode  np  to  Mr.  Montieth's,  in  Broadalban. 
The  town  heantifal  and  level.  The  inhabitants  are  princi- 
pally Highlanders,  honest,  religions,  industrious  ;  all  sound 
republicans.  Mr.  McKinney  preached  here  on  the  Sabbath, 
a  discourse  peculiarly  adapted  to  make  a  favorable  impres- 
sion on  the  minds  of  the  people.  His  exercise  on  the  Psalm, 
his  lecture,  and  his  afternoon  sermon,  were  all  plain,  argu- 
mentative, and  pathetic." 

Friday,  'ilst  June,  at  Mr.  Beattie's,  WalTkill. — "  Messrs. 
Donelly,  Wylie,  Black  and  myself  read  our  Latin  treatises 
before  the  Presbytery.  This  took  up  about  three  hours. 
At  half-past  eleven  Mr.  Wylie  delivered  his  exercise  and 
addition.  Mr.  Black  also  his.  The  Presbyteiy  adjourned 
for  dinner.  After  constituting  I  delivered  my  exercise. 
Though  very  ill  committed,  I  went  through  with  presence  of 
mind.  Mr.  Donelly  delivered  a  lecture.  The  same  evening 
Messrs.  Wylie  and  Black  delivered  their  popular  discourses. 
Kext  day  Mr.  Donelly  delivered  a  discourse  on  the  eccle- 
siastical history  of  the  Fourteenth  Century,  and  I  preached 
my  popular  sermon." 

We  present  one  other  extract  only.  It  is  the  scene  of  the 
licensure  ;  and  by  one  of  the  parties. 

Monday,  June  2-i:th,  1799.— "Although  I  had  only  the 
afternoon  of  Saturday,  and  an  hour  on  Monday  to  commit  to 
memory  my  ecclesiastical  history,  I  nevertheless  delivered 


46  MEMOIR  OF  ALEXANDER  MCLEOD,  D.D. 

it  extempore  without  great  emotions.  Messrs.  Wylie  and 
Black  did.  likewise.  Mr.  Donelly  preached  a  popular 
sermon.  The  Court  sustained  them  all  and  adjourned  for 
dinner.  Afternoon,  all  the  candidates  were  examined  on 
Latin,  Greek,  Hebrew,  Ehetoric,  Logic,  Metaphysics,  Moral 
Philosophy  and  Divinity ;  on  j)ractical  religion,  and  our 
views  of  the  Ministry.  "We  were  then  requested  to  with- 
draw. After  our  return,  Mr.  McKinney,  as  appointed  by 
the  Court,  addressed  us  in  a  warm,  animated,  and  solemn 
manner.  He  opened  the  nature,  and  important  designs  of 
the  ministry,  and  pronounced  us  all  licensed  to  preach  the 
everlasting  Gospel  to  the  Presbytery's  connections,  and  all 
others  to  whom  we  might  be,  in  Providence,  commissioned. 
Thus  Avas  the  arduous  task  imposed  on  the  Presbytery 
and  candidates  brought  to  a  termination.  Sixteen  discourses 
were  delivered,  and  an  examination  made  on  the  whole 
circle  of  science,  IsTatural  Philosophy  only  excepted.  I  now 
found  myself  in  a  solemn,  impressive  and  awful  situation. 
The  guilt  of  my  former  sins  staring  me  in  the  face.  Still  I 
was  extremely  comforted  by  the  unexpected  aid  I  received 
to  iinish  my  trials  and  examination.     God  be  praised !" 

Frequent  reference  is  made  in  this  journal  to  the  fellow- 
ship meetings,  or  praying  societies,  on  which  Mr.  McLeod 
so  carefully  attended.  At  a  subsequent  period  of  his  life, 
when  he  had  taken  his  place  among  the  most  distinguished 
in  the  land  for  theological  acquirements,  the  question  was 
asked  him — "Dr.  McLeod,  where  did  you  study  theology?" 
"  In  the  Societies,"  was  the  answer. 

Such  are  a  few  specimens  of  the  materials  of  this  interest- 
ing journal.    It  furnishes  ample  evidence  of  a  mind  highly 


GAIUS,   MINE  HOST.  47 

discriminative  and  analj^tic  ;  as  well  as  a  degree  of  industry 
and  application  rarely  accompanying  superior  abilities.  By 
a  continuance,  for  a  considerable  period,  until  the  time  of 
licensure,  tliis  course  of  mental  improvement,  liis  stock  of 
science  and  literature,  particularly  in  Metaphysics,  Ethics, 
!N"atural  Jm-isprudence,  and  Tlieolog}'",  became  very  consid- 
erable. 

It  has  been  already  mentioned,  that  delivering  pieces  of 
trial  before  the  Presbytery  in  jSTew  York,  August,  179S,  while 
Mr.  McLeod  returned  to  Galway  with  E.ev.  Mr.  McKinney, 
Messrs.  Black  and  Wylie  returned  to  Philadelphia,  whence 
they  fled  to  the  country  from  the  prevailing  epidemic  which 
then  raged  in  that  city. 

Li  the  course  of  the  winter  of  '98  and  '99,  the  Presbytery 
met  in  Philadelphia.  Mr.  McLeod  accompanied  Mr. 
McKinney  from  the  Korth,  Avhere  he  had  delivered  the  piece 
of  trial  assigned  him  at  a  former  meeting.  Messrs.  Black 
and  "Wylie  now  delivered  theirs  ;  and  final  pieces  for  licen- 
sure were  assigned  to  these  three  young  men,  which  they 
were  to  be  ready  to  deliver  in  June  following.  These  were 
delivered  on  June  Sith  same  year,  1799,  in  Coldenham, 
Orange  county.  State  of  l!^ew  York,  at  the  house  of  Mr. 
Pobert  Beattie,  a  noble  minded,  generous,  open-hearted 
Christian,  whose  house  for  many  years  was  the  rendezvous  of 
the  Peformed  Presbyterians  in  that  vicinity.  The  kindness, 
the  care,  the  unwearied  attention,  and  cordial  hospitality  of 
this  excellent  old  gentleman  and  worthy  family  merit  to  be 
transmitted,  with  honorable  mention,  to  posterity. 

"  Gaius,  mine  host,  and  his  family,  salute." 

Mr.  Thomas  Donelly  already  mentioned,  by  direction  of 


48  MEMOIR  OF  ALEXANDER  MCLEOD,  D.D. 

Court,  appeared  at  Coldenliam,  in  conjunction  with  Messrs. 
McLeod,  Black  and  Wylie.  All  tlieir  trials  for  licensure 
were  sustained.  And  tlie  Presbytery,  after  solemn  prayer 
to  Almighty  God  for  His  blessing,  did  license  John  Black, 
Thomas  Donelly,  Alexander  McLeod,  and  Samuel  Brown 
"Wylie,  to  preach  the  everlasting  gospel ;  as  is  seen  by  Mr. 
McLeod's  journal. 


THE    MIXISTKT. 


49 


CHAPTER   lY. 

1800. 

Until  his  Ordination. 

This  was  to  these  four  young  men,  indeed,  a  new  epoch  in 
their  lives,  and  most  solemn  in  its  character.     It  is  hoped 
and  believed,  that  they  felt  the  awful  responsibility  connected 
with  this  still  wider  held  than  what  they  formerly  occupied, 
of  exhibiting  specimens  of  trial  on  a  more  public  theatre, 
which  might  soon  decide  on  their  qualifications  for  investi- 
ture with  the  sacred  office  of  the  holy  ministry.     They  were 
sensible  of  their  own  utter  incompetency,  but  that  their 
sufficiency  was  in  Christ.     They  knew  that  they  had  received 
no  part  of  the  ministerial  office,  which  is  one  and  indivisible, 
but  that  they  had  only  been  allowed,  under  competent  judges, 
under  whose  inspection  they  had  voluntarily  placed  them- 
selves, to  change  the  scene  of  operations,  and  still  remain  on 
trials  before  the  people,  whose  calls  upon  them  to  labor 
among  them  would  intimate  their  approbation.     Every  man 
has  a  natural  right  to  exercise  the  gifts  and  talents  which 
God  has  bestowed  upon  him.     But  he  is  not  likely  always 
to  be  the  most  impartial  judge  of  the  measure  of  his  own 
qualifications.     The  dictates  of  common  sense  will  put  this 
decision  into  the  hands  of  another.     And  who  can  be  sup- 
posed more  competent,  in  this  first  instance,  to  decide  on  the 


60  MEMOIR   OF   ALEXANDER  MCLEOD,    D.D. 

subject,  than  an  Ecclesiastical  Court,  and  tlie  community 
wliicli  may  Avisli  to  appropriate  his  services.  Tlius,  it  will 
be  seen,  that  licensure  confers  no  official  authority,  imparts 
no  part  of  the  gospel  ministry.  The  probationer  can, 
legitimately,  exercise  no  ministerial  functions. 

At  this  period,  the  Keformed  Presbyterian  Church  was  in 
a  Tery  scattered  condition.  The  societies  and  individuals, 
forming  the  nuclei  of  future  congregations,  were  located 
principally  in  the  States  of  Vermont,  Xew  York,  Pennsyl- 
vania and  South  Carolina.  These  were,  of  course,  to  be 
visited  and  watered,  as  ability  and  opportunity  might  serve. 
Mr.  Donelly  was  remanded  to  the  South,  Mr.  Black  to  the 
middle  and  Western  parts  of  Pennsylvania,  to  Conococheague 
Valley,  and  Pittsburg  with  its  vicinity.  Mr.  McLeod,  to 
the  Southern  parts  of  Kew  York  State,  and  the  city  of  ISTew 
York.  Mr.  "Wylie  was  ordered  to  the  cities  of  Philadelphia 
and  Baltimore. 

The  public  laborers  in  our  vineyard,  now  consisted  of 
Messrs.  Mclvinney  and  Gibson,  ministers ;  and  four 
licentiates,  Messrs.  McLeod,  Black,  Donelly  and  'Wylie. 
Pastoral  settlements  and  congregational  organizations  were 
now  loudly  called  for.  At  a  meeting  of  Presbytery,  in  the 
spring  of  1800,  it  was  decreed  that  a  commission  should  be 
appointed  to  meet  those  exigencies.  Peverend  James 
Mclunney,  and  one  of  the  licentiates  to  be  ordained  for 
that  special  purpose,  were  fixed  upon  as  the  commissioners. 

Pursuant  to  these  resolutions,  in  the  following  spring,  Mr. 
Wylie  was  ordered  to  repair  to  Pyegate,  Caledonia  county, 
Vermont,  to  be  set  apart  to  the  office  of  the  holy  ministry. 
At  this  meeting  Messrs.  Black  and  McLeod  also  attended, 
and  received  new  appohitments.  Mr.  Wylie  was  ordained 
to  the  ministerial  office,  on  June  25th,  1800,  in  the  meeting- 


irR.   ^VYLIE   ORDAINED.  51 

house  of  Ryegate,  where  Mr.  Gibson  officiated  as  the  pastor. 
This  was  the  lirst  ordination  of  a  Reformed  rresbyterian 
minister  which  ever  occurred  in  the  United  States  of 
America. 

Li  the  fall  of  18C0,  a  call  was  made  on  Mr.  McLeod  to 
the  pastoral  charge  of  the  nnited  congregations  of  the  city 
of  K'ew  York,  and  Coldenham,  in  Orange  connty,  in  the 
same  State.     Mr.  McLeod  demurred,  on  thejjlea_that  there 
were  slaveholders  among  the  subscribers  tojhe  call.     He 
urged  this  fact    as    reason    for  rejecting    the    call.     The 
Presbytery    now  having    this    subject    regularly   brought 
before  them,  determined  at  once  to  purge  our  section  of 
the  church  of  the  great  evil  of  slavery.     They  enacted  that 
no  slaveholder  should  be  allowed  the  communion  of  the 
church.     Thus,   at  Mr.  McLeod's  suggestion,   the  subject  ^ 
was   acted   upon,   even  before    he  became   a  member   of| 
Presbytery,  and  this  inhuman  and   demoralizing  practice' 
was  purged  from  our  connection.     It  is  true,  it  only  required 
to  be  mentioned,  and  be  regularly  brought  before  the  Court. 
There  was  no  dissenting  voice  in  condenming  the  nefarious 
traffic  in  human   flesh.     From   that  period  forward,  none 
cither  practising  or  abetting  slavery  in  any  shape,  has  been 
found  on  thcjiecords  of  our  ecclesiastical  connection. 

The  mission  then  proceeded  from  Coldenham,  in  pur- 
suance of  the  objects  of  their  appointment,  on  their  way  to 
Carolina,  as  the  furthest  point  of  their  destination.  They 
crossed  the  country  to  Ilarrisburg,  and  visited  Conoco- 
cheague  Yalley;  thence  to  Pittsburg,  were  a  joint  call  on 
Messrs.  Black  and  AVylie  was  made  out,  to  take  the 
pastoral  charge  of  a  congregation  extending  over  a  range 
of  country  more  than  one  hundred  miles  square.  Mr. 
Wylie  was  [allowed  by  the   committee,  to   decline   giving 


52  MEMOIK   OF   ALEXANDER   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

a  final  answer  to  this  call,  until  his  return  from  Carolina. 
Mr.  Black  accepted,  and  was  ordained  and  installed  as  the 
pastor  of  the  Keformed  Presbyterian  congregation  of  Pitts- 
burg, and  all  the  other  adherent  societies,  in  the  State  of 
Pennsylvania,  beyond,  the  Alleghany  Mountains.  Tlie  ordi- 
,iiation  took  i)lace  in  Pittsburg,  in  the  Court-house,  in 
presence  of  a  crowded  audience. 

The  committee  then  proceeded  on  their  way  to  Kentucky, 
which  they  were  instructed  to  visit  on  their  route.  After  a 
very  perilous  descent  of  the  Ohio,  in  company  with  the 
Peverend  David  Hume,  late  from  Scotland,  of  the  Associate 
Church ;  and  the  Reverend  Mr.  Craig,  of  the  Associate 
Peformed  Church,  and  two  other  gentlemen  whose  names 
are  now  forgotten ;  lumbered,  up  with  six  horses,  in  a  flat- 
bottomed  boat,  the  river  too  high  to  divide  ahead  the  islands, 
after  A-^arious  detentions  and  imminent  hazards,  in  the  good 
Providence  of  God,  they  arrived  in  safety  at  Maysville, 
Kentucky.  After  spending  a  month  in  the  neighborhood  of 
"Washington,  near  the  Blue  Licks,  and  also  at  Lexington, 
with  a  number  of  excellent  and  intelligent  brethren,  they 
prepared  to  cross  over  the  middle  of  the  State,  to  Tennessee. 
Before  leaving  Kentucky,  it  would  be  unpardonable  to  omit 
mentioning  the  kind  and  hospitable  reception  met  with  at 
the  house  of  John  Finney,  near  "Washington,  where  the 
mission  lodged,  preached  and  baptized.  AYith  great  plea- 
sure we  mention  David  Mitchell,  an  Israelite  indeed,  whose 
pious  wife  and  amiable  daughter  adorned  the  doctrine  of 
God  their  Saviour.  Neither  should  Aaron  ^Vilson  be  for- 
gotten, an  excellent  and  intelligent  man,  of  Elkridge,  not 
far  from  Lexington.  His  house  was  the  seat  of  hospitality. 
.  There  are  many  more  too  numerous  to  mention. 

Thence  the  mission  jom-neyed  South,  by  the  Peach  Orch- 


SLAVERY  ABOLISHED.  63 

arJ,  tliongli  at  that  period,  a  desolate  wilderness,  and  liaring 
swam,  at  tlio  liazard  of  tlieir  lives,  some  rivers,  and  forded 
others,  as  Powels,  Clinch,  and  Ilolstein,  they  reached  *tlie 
Swanano  settlement.  In  calling  accidentally  at  a  farni- 
honse,  they  fomid  themselves  in  the  habitation  of  a  Mr. 
Qnin,  a  Covenanter,  with  whom  they  passed  the  Sabbath, 
preached,  and  baptized  some  children.  Thence  tlicy  pushed 
forward  nntil  they  reached  the  settlement  in  Rocky  Creek, 
Chester  district,  South  Carolina,  where  they  were  kind  ly 
received,  and  hospitably  entertained. 

The  congregation  here  had  been,  for  »ome  time,  without  a 
pastor  ;  and,  as  of  course,  references  for  sessional  action 
might  be  expected,  they  were  not  wanting.  After  examin- 
ations, ministerial  visitations,  and  numerous  meetings  of 
Presbytery  and  session,  a  joint  call  was  made  on  Messrs. 
Donelly  and  Wylie,  to  become  co-pastors  of  the  congrega- 
tion. Here,  again,  Mr.  Wylie  had  leave  from  the  com- 
mittee to  postpone,  for  the  ]n-esent,  any  determination 
respecting  this  call,  until  the  services  of  the  mission  should 
be  closed.  Mr.  Donelly  accepted,  and  was  ordained  and  j 
installed  accordingly.  Previously,  however,  to  the  dispen- 
sation of  the  sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper,  which  was 
celebrated  after  Mr.  Donelly 's  ordination,  the  committee 
stated  the  decision  of  Presbytery  at  the  last  meeting  in  Col- 
denham,  respecting  slaveholders,  declaring  that  such  must 
either  immediately  emancipate  their  slaves,  or  be  refused 
admission  to  the  Lord's  table.  The  committee  were  no  less 
surprised  than  delighted,  to  find  with  wliat  alacrity  those 
concerned  came  forward  and  complied  with  the  decree  of 
'Presbytery.  In  one  day,  it  is  believed,  that  in  the  small 
community  of  the  Peformed  Presbyterian  Church  in  South 
Carolina,  not  less  than  three  thousand  guineas  were  sacrij 


\ 


54:  MEMOIR   OF   ALEXANDER   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

ficed  on  tlic  altar  of  principle.  The  people  promptly 
cleansed  tlieir  hands  from  the  pollution  of  the  accursed 
thing.  So  far  as  is  recollected,  only  one  man,  who  had 
been  a  mcmher  of  the  clinrch,  absolutely  refused  to  eman- 
cipate his  negroes.  His  name  is  forgotten ;  but  his  location 
■was  beyond  the  line  of  the  State,  in  North  Carolina.  A 
nobler,  more  generous  and  magnanimous  people,  than  these 
South  Carolinians,  are  seldom  met  with  in  any  commnnity. 
To  name  the  McMillans,  the  Kells,  the  Coopers,  the  Orrs, 
the  JS^eils,  &c.,  wonld  be  invidious,  unless  all,  all  were 
named.     "VYe  must,  therefore,  refrain. 

The  committee  returned  from  Carolina  towards  the  begin- 
ning of  the  following  summer,  and  met  the  Presbytery  at 
Coldenham,  Orange  county.  State  of  ]S"ew  York,  and 
reported  to  the  Court  the  manner  in  which  they  had  exe- 
cuted the  trust  committed  to  them.  All  was  unanimously 
approved. 

Mr.  McLeod  was  now  satisfied  on  the  subject  of  his 
former  difficulties,  respecting  his  acceptance  of  the  call 
made  upon  him  by  the  Wallkillians.  Slavery,  in  the 
Keformed.  Presbyterian  Church,  had  been  annihilated. 
However,  to  remove  every  shadow  of  objection,  a  new, 
unanimous  call  was  made  on  him,  which  he  now  accej)ted, 
and  was  ordained  in  Coldenham  meeting-house,  and  installed 
to  the  charge  of  the  united  congregations  of  New  York  and 
Wallkill.  At  this  same  meeting  of  Presbytery,  Mr.  Wylie 
declined  the  acceptance  of  both  the  calls  made  on  him,  from 
Pittsburg  congregation  and  from  Carolina.  The  rejection 
of  the  Carolina  call,  on  the  part  of  Mr.  Wylie,  left  open  a 
field  of  special  usefulness  for  a  strong  man  and  active 
laborer  in  the  vineyard  of  the  Lord.  There  had  arisen  some 
difliculties  between  the  Eev.  James  McKiimey  and  his  con- 


THE  CAKOLDOANS.  55 

gregations  in  Galway  and  Duanesbnrgli,  wliicli  tended  to 
diminish  his  nsefuhiess  in  that  region.  Tlie  Carolinians 
were  eager  to  obtain  the  settlement  of  Mr.  McKinney 
among  them.  They  were  officially  advised  of  Mr.  Wylie 
having  declined  the  acceptance  of  their  call  on  him.  With 
all  convenient  speed,  therefore,  they  invited  Mr.  McKinney 
to  lalxn*  among  them  as  their  pastor.  A  call  was  forwarded 
to  Presbytery,  and  was  accej^ted  by  that  gentleman,  who 
forthwith  prepared  to  remove  to  that  portion  of  the 
vineyard. 


66         MEMOm  OF  ALEXAKDEK  MCLEOD,  D.D. 


CHAPTEE   V. 

1806. 

From  Mr.  McLeod's  Ordinatioii  until  the  Exhibition  of  the  Testimony. 

Previously  to  Mr.  McLeod's  ordination,  he  had  asked 
and  obtained  leave  of  Presbytery  that,  after  this  event 
should  take  place,  he  might  be  allowed  time  to  visit  some 
near  relatives  in  Canada.  Tliis  visit  occupied  several 
months,  at  the  expiration  of  which  he  returned,  and  ad- 
dressed himself  with  zeal  and  energy  to  the  discharge  of 
his  official  duties,  public  and  parochial.  He  was,  indeed, 
"  instant  in  season  and  out  of  season,"  in  feeding  the  sheep 
of  his  master.  In  all  his  public  exhibitions,  the  language 
was  extemporaneous.  It  is  believed  that  after  his  licensure, 
he  never  wrote  out  and  committed  to  memory  one  discourse 
before  preaching  it ;  and  reading  sermons  in  the  pulpit  was 
never  tolerated  in  the  church  to  which  he  belonged.  He 
always  selected  his  text  with  appropriate  reference  to  the 
occasion.  His  vigorous  and  discriminating  intellect  seized 
the  leading  idea  of  the  text  or  passage,  and  soon  recognized 
the  various  bearing-s  of  its  subordinate  ramifications.  His 
investigations  were  often  profound ;  yet,  being  so  thoroughly 
understood  by  himself,  he  could  express  them  in  a  style  and 
phraseology  perfectly  intelligible  to  the  most  ordinary 
capacity.     His  manner  of  discussing  even  abstruse  subjects. 


CLEEGY  OF   NEW  YORK.  57 

thus  rendered  them  "  milk  to  babes,"  as  well  as  "  stroiiir 
meat  to  those  of  full  age,  who,  by  reason  of  use,  had  their 
senses  exercised  to  discern  both  good  and  evil." 

During  the  visit  of  the  Presbytery's  mission   to  South 
Carolina,  Mr.  McLeod  had  been  employed  in  supplying  the 
congregations  and  societies  of  our  connection  from  Saratoga 
to  Baltimore  :  and  wherever  he  preached,  his  services  were 
highly  acceptable,  as  well  to  many  of  the  pious  and  intel- 
ligent of  other  denominations,  as  to  those  of  his  own  eccle- 
siastical communion.     When  he  was  settled  in  his  pastoral 
charge,  and  had  an  opportunity  afibrded  of  cultivating  closer 
intimacy  with  the  great  and  the  good  in  other  communities, 
then  the  resources  of  his  powerful  mind   developed  them- 
selves, and  commanded  the  respect  of  all  who  knew  him. 
The  locality  of  JSTew  York  furnished,  at  that  time,  an  admir- 
able field  for  the   development  of  intellectual  worth.     In 
this  commodity,  that  city  was  inferior  to  none  in  the  United 
States.      It   contained   a  galaxy  of  theological  characters, 
surpassed  in  literary  and  scientific  talent  by  no  other  locality 
in   the  New  World.     Mr.  McLeod  was  soon   known  and 
appreciated  by  a  Eogers,  a  Livingston,  a  McKnight,  a  Miller, 
a  Mason,  an  Abeel,  gentlemen  and  divines,  who,  for  talent, 
literature,  and  polished  integrity,  would  stand  a  comparison 
with   any  others   on   the   continent.     "With   all   these,  Mr. 
McLeod  soon  became  a  favorite.     lie  enjoyed  their  con- 
fidence. 

In  less  than  two  yeai-s  after  licensure,  all  the  four  youno- 
men  already  mentioned,  were  ordained  to  the  office  of  the 
holy  ministry,  and  had  fixed  pastoral  charges.  Mr.  Wylie 
had  been  appointed  to  the  pastoral  charge  of  the  united 
societies  of  Philadelphia  and  Baltimore, — ^jilaces  then  so 
unpromising,  that  with  no  small  difficulty,  he  was  induced 

5 


58  aiEMoiR  or  alexaxder  mcleod,  d.d. 

to  consent  to  a  settlement  among  tliem.  To  this,  however, 
he  at  last  acceded  for  two  years,  to  commence  after  his 
return  from  Em-ope,  whither  he  had  been  delegated  as  a 
commissioner  to  the  sister  judicatories  in  Scotland  and 
Ireland,  to  negotiate  for  ministerial  aid,  after  having  obtained 
of  them  a  formal  recognition  of  our  ecclesiastical  standing. 
The  scattered  condition  of  the  members  of  the  Reformed 
Presbyterian  Church,  dispersed  as  they  were,  over  the  vast 
extent  of  the  American  Union,  rendered  even  a  very  limited 
and  partial  administration  of  ordinances  a  very  difficult  mat- 
ter. To  ti'avel  a  thousand  miles  in  one  season,  was  counted 
but  a  trifle.  ISTay,  some  of  their  journals  can  show  fom*,  or 
even  five  thousand  miles,  and  more,  in  the  course  of  one 
year.  But  they  regarded  it  not.  They  had  the  happiness 
of  seeing  the  pleasure  of  the  Lord  prospering  in  the  hands 
of  Messiah  thi'ough  their  instrumentality.  What  could  they 
desire  more  ?     Only  a  greater  increase  of  success. 

After  their  ordination  and  settlement,  the  care  of  numer- 
ous vacancies,  which   they  were   still  bound   to  visit,  and 
supply  as  well  as  they  could  with  public  ordinances,  was 
added  to  the  care  of  a  specific  charge,  of  which  they  had 
undertaken  the  oversight.     Ministerial  aid  was  indis2:)ensa- 
bly  necessary.     Tliey  could  not  wait  for  a  home  supply,  if 
assistance  could  be  obtained  more  speedily  from  abroad. 
To  their  brethren  in  the  British  Isles,  the  Presbytery  turned 
their  attention,     Widely  dispersed  over  these  United  States, 
the  extremes  of  their  societies  were  more  than  fifteen  hun- 
dred miles  apart.     For  the  more  convenient  and  efficient 
exercise  of  ecclesiastical  authority  in  the  churches  under 
their  care,  they  found  it  necessary  to  subdivide  the  Presby- 
tery into  difi'erent   committees,  authorized  respectively  to 
exercise  church  power  within  certain  specified  limits.   These 


MK.    ^VYLIE   TISITS   EUKOPE.  59 

tliey  designated  the  Northern,  Middle,  and  Sontliern  Cora-  /  / 
mittees.  Tlie  jurisdiction  of  the  Northern  Committee  *  f 
extended  from  the  Lonndary  h'ne  between  the  United  States 
and  Great  Britain,  on  the  l^orth,  to  the  Southern  boundary 
of  the  State  of  Xew  York,  on  the  South,  Tlie  authority  of 
the  Middle  Committee  reached  from  the  !N^orthern  boundary 
of  Pennsylvania,  and  Xew  Jersey,  on  the  Xorth,  to  the 
Southern  boundary  of  Virginia,  and  Kentucky,  on  tlie 
South.  Tlie  Southern  Committee  embraced,  under  its  juris- 
diction, thence  to  the  Southern  limits  of  the  United  States. 
This  arrangement  not  only  rendered  the  exercise  of  disci- 
pline more  easy  and  convenient,  but  also  prepared  the  way 
for  the  erection  of  Presbyteries,  of  which  these  were  the 
nuclei,  under  the  inspection  of  one  common  judicatory,  or 
spiod,  so  soon  as  increase  of  number  and  other  circum- 
stances should  render  such  an  orjcanization  elic-ible.  Tlie 
transactions  of  these  committees  were  of  com*se  reviewed  by 
Presbytery,  at  its  annual  meetings.  These  committees  con- 
sisted severally  of  Messrs.  Gibson,  and  ]\[cLeod,  in  the 
N'orth,  Messi-s.  Black  and  Wylie,  in  th^  Middle  region  ;  and 
Messrs.  McKiimey  and  Donelly,  in  the  South,  in  conjunction 
with  the  ruling  elders. 

Agreeably  to  Presbyterial  appointment,  Mr.  Wvlie  sailed 
for  Europe,  in  the  foil  of  1S02.  He  was  instructed  to  give 
an  account,  to  the  Reformed  Presbyteries  in  Scotland  and 
Ireland,  of  the  constitution  of  the  Peformed  Presbytery  in 
America — to  consult  with  them  about  a  plan  of  ecclesiastical 
intercommunion — and  to  solicit  ministerial  aid  for  the  Ame- 
rican churches  under  their  care.  Mr.  "Wylie,  the  commis- 
sioner from  America,  was  received  with  gi-eat  cordiality  both 
by  the  Scottish  and  Irish  judicatories  ;  was  invited  to  preach 
in  their  pulpits  ;  was  treated  with  the  kindest  hospitahty  on 


60  MEMOm  OF  ALEXAKDEE  MCLEOD,  J;.I>. 

the  part  of  tlie  people  ;  and  took  leave  of  tliem  witli  feeling^ 
deeply  impressed  witli  a  sense  of  their  personal  kindness 
to  himself,  and  of  their  hearty  good  will  to  the  interest  and 
success  of  Reformation  Principles  in  this  Western  world. 

After  more  than  a  year's  absence,  Mr.  Wylie  returned  to 
the  United  States,  in  the  end  of  October,  1803.  All  the 
objects  of  the  mission,  as  far  as  practicable,  were  obtained. 
The  constitution  of  the  Heformed  Presbyterian  Chm-ch,  in 
these  United  States,  was  fidly  recognized  lyj  the  sister 
judicatories ;  a  friendly  correspondence  established  and 
commenced  between  the  three  Presbyteries ;  and  encoui-age- 
ment  also  given  of  affording  ministerial  aid  so  soon  as  it 
should  be  in  their  power.  This  was  become  still  more 
necessary,  by  the  removal  of  the  Rev.  James  McKinney, 
by  death,  from  his  charge  in  Chester  District,  South  Carolina, 
to  which  he  had  but  recently  been  translated  from  the  con- 
gTegation  in  I^ew  York.  He  departed  this  life  in  the 
autumn  of  1802.  The  Southern  Committee  thus  became 
dissolved.  Mr.  Donelly  was  the  only  minister  belonging  to 
the  Reformed  Presbyterian  Church  in  those  parts.  What- 
ever business  occurred  to  which  the  session  was  inadequate, 
had  to  be  referred  immediately  to  Presbytery. 

Tlic  church  began  now  to  be  cheered  with  the  prospect 
of  some  domestic  aid,  having  waited  long  for  assistance  from 
abroad.  Mr.  Matthew  Williams,  formerly  of  the  Associate 
Reformed  Church,  educated  in  Canonsburgh,  after  a  series 
of  trials,  was  in  September,  1804,  licensed  to  preach  the 
everlasting  gospel.  Mr.  James  Wilson,  a  graduate  of  Jef- 
ferson College,  was,  after  a  course  of  theological  studies, 
under  the  inspection  of  Mr.  McLeod,  put  under  trials  for 
licensure.  The  want  of  laborers  in  the  vineyard  Avas  very 
sensibly  felt.     Double  the  number  of  workmen  would  not 


SERMON    ON    SLAYEEY.  61 

liave  been  sufficient  to  supply  tlie  demands  from  various 
quarters. 

While  the  church  was  thus  increasing  in  numbers,  and 
externally  prospering,  beyond  the  most  sanguine  expecta- 
tions of  her  friends,  her  ordained  functionaries  were,  since 
the  death  of  the  Rev.  James  McKinney,  only  five  in  all. 
Their  labor  was  severe  and  incessant,  in  meeting  the  exi- 
gencies of  the  church  'in  tlie  supplying  of  vacancies. 
Besides  his  proportionate  share  in  these  supplies,  meanwhile, 
Mr.  McLewiAvas  indefatigable  in  his  studies,  and  in  the 
discharge  of  the  duties  of  public  teaching  and  parochial 
visitation.  lie  was  particularly  careful,  in  his  public  exhi- 
bitions, to  adch-ess  the  affections  and  the  hearts  of  his  people, 
through  the  medium  of  the  understanding.  He  made  them 
acquainted  with  duty,  and  then,  most  pathetically  interested 
their  feelings,  and  excited  them  to  action. 

Tlic  practice  of  slavery  had  been,  as  already  mentioned, 
abolished  in  the  Reformed  Presbyterian  Church.  That  the 
hearts,  the  aff'ections,  and  the  active  sympathies  of  his 
parishioners,  might  be  etfectually  enlisted  in  the  use  of  every 
legitimate  means  for  the  comj)lete  emancipation  of  the 
oppressed  African,  in  the  year  1802,  Mr.  McLeod  prepared, 
preached,  and  published  a  sermon  on  this  subject,  the  title 
of  which  is 

"negeo  slavery  unjustifiable." 
In  the  advertisement  prefixed  to  the  printed  copy,  he  refefe 
to  aiul  explains  the  circumstances  of  the  call  made  upon 
,him,  in  Coldenham,  Orange  County,  State  of  Kew  York, 
i  which  was  subscribed  by  some  who  held  slaves.  It  is  true, 
they  held  human  beings  in  bondage  no  longer.  Tliey  had 
nobly  sacrificed  worldly  emolimient  on  the  altar  of  principle, 


62  MEMOIR   OF  ALEXAIfTDEK  M0LE01>,    D.D. 

and  preferred  the  enjojment  of  spiritual  pri\aleges,  to  tlie 
retention  of  tlie  acciu'sed  thing.  But  lie  would  wisli  them 
to  be  not  only  sentimental,  but  judicious  and  intelligent 
Christians. 

His  text  is  from  Exodus  xxi.  16  :  "  He  that  stealeth  a  man 
and  selleth  him,  or  if  he  be  found  in  his  hand,  he  shall  surely 
be  put  to  death."  This  is  the  first  printed  offspring  of  his 
masterly  pen.  It  is  true,  the  style  and  phraseology,  have  a 
few  yestiges  of  the  author's  juvenescence ;  but  many 
characteristics  of  j)owerful  discrimination  'and  cogent 
deduction  exist. 

The  doctrinal  proposition  deduced  from  the  text  is  : 

"  The  jp'ractice  of  hiiying^  holding^  m'  selling  our  unoffend- 
ing fellow-creatures,  as  slaves,  is  immoral P 

In  the  method  of  discourse  which  he  adopts,  he  proposes 
to  confirm  the  doctrine  of  the  propositioti — to  answer  objec- 
tions to  it — and  then,  onalce  some  improvement  of  it. 

He  proves  his  proposition  by  showing  that  the  practice  of 
slavery  is  inconsistent  with  the  rights  of  man — ^That  the 
opposite  principle  would  be  gross  absurdity — ^That  slavery 
is  opposed  to  the  general  tenor  of  the  Sacred  Scriptm-es^ 
That  it  is  a  manifest  violation  of  fom*  precepts  of  the  Deca- 
logue— ^lliat  it  is  inconsistent  with  the  benevolent  spirit 
which  is  produced  and  cherished  by  the  gospel  of  fi*ee  grace 
— and  lastly  from  its  pernicious  consequences. 

Tliese  arguments  confirmatory  of  the  proposition  are 
advanced,  and  urged  with  great  strength  and  cogency. 

lie  then  proceeds  to  state  objections,  which  had  been,  or 
might  be,  made  to  the  doctrine  of  the  text. 

T^\^  first  objection  is  supposed  natural  inferiority.  Second, 
That  the  negroes  are  a  different  race.  Third,  Tluit  they  are 
the  descendants  of  Ham,  and  under  the   curse.    Fourth^ 


OBJECTIONS  ANSWERED.  63 

That  God  permitted  the  ancient  Israelites  to  hold  tlieir  fellow- 
creatures  in  servitude.  Fifth,  That  slavery  was  tolerated  by 
the  Eoman  laws  in  the  jorimitive  ages  of  Christianity.  Sixth, 
Tliat  it  is  not  condemned  by  Christ  and  his  apostles  ;  and 
Scvoith,  Tliat  the  evil  exists,  and  how  can  we  get  rid  of  it  ? 
We  are  under  a  political  necessity  of  keeping  slaves ! 

All  tliese  objections  are  most  ably  and  satisfactorily 
answered.  If  there  be  anything  defective,  perhaps  it  may 
respect  the  toleration  of  slavery  in  the  Roman  Empire,  and 
among  the  primitive  Christians,  which  may  not  have  been 
followed  up  with  sufficient  minuteness.  Some  Christians, 
indeed,  still  think  it  very  hard,  that  those  in  bonds,  though 
unjustly  deprived  of  their  liberty  and  subjected  to.tlie  will 
of  another  who  has  no  moral  right  to  detain  them,  should, 
notwithstanding,  be  commanded,  not  only  to  serve  heathen 
masters,  but  also  professed  Christians.  The  sin  of  the  latter 
must  be  aggravated  by  the  very  fact  that  they  are  Christians. 
Li  Colossians,  iii.  22-23 ;  the  command  rims :— "  Servants, 
obey  in  all  things  your  masters,  according  to  the  flesh; 
not  with  eye-service,  as  men-pleasers,  but  in  singleness  of 
heart,  fearing  God ;  and  whatsoever  ye  do,  do  it  heartily,  as 
to  the  Lord,  and  not  unto  men."  This  text,  with  some  others 
of  tlie  same  stamj),  seems  ha»d  to  many  Christians.  This 
8ul)ject  will  be  more  fully  investigated  in  the  course  of  this 
memoir ;  in  the  meantime  suffice  it  to  say,  that  the  reason 
of  this  single-hearted  obedience  is  not  founded  on  the  justice 
of  the  master's  claim,  for  tlie  "  men-stealers "  are,  1  Tim. 
i.  9-10,  ranked  among  "  mm-derers  of  fathers,  mm-derers  of 
mothers,"  &c. 

But  two  good  reasons  are  forthcoming  for  this  "  single- 
heartedness."  Fii-st,  this  is  oj^posed  to  hypocrisy  and  deception 
of  every  kind.  Ko  necessity  will  justify  deceit ;  ergo,  what- 
ever ye  do,  do  it  as  in  the  sight  of  God.     A  second  reason 


64  MEMOLK  OF  ALEXANDER  MCLEOD,  D.D. 

is  assigned  in  1  Tim.  vi.  1 :— "  Tliat  the  name  of  God  and 
his  doctrine  be  not  blasphemed."  This  is  indeed  an  admi- 
rable reason,  and  we  can  scarcely  conceive  any  which  could 
more  strikingly  exhibit  the  extremely  sensitive  delicacy  of 
evangelical  morality.  ISlo  right  exists  on  the  part  of  the 
master  who  claims  the  service  ;  no  obligation  on  the  part  of 
the  slave  arising  from  any  legitimate  contract ;  but  the  friends 
of  Christ,  the  votaries  of  evangelical  purity,  are  required, 
by  the  gospel  of  the  Son  of  God,  to  wave  their  claims,  forego 
their  rights,  sacrifice,  for  the  time,  liberty — most  dear  to  man 
of  all  human  enjoyments — for  the  honor  of  the  name  of 
God  and  his  gospel.  "  That  the  name  of  God  and  the  gospel 
be  not  blamed."  How  soothing  the  consolation  to  the  poor 
Christian  slave.     "  He  is  Christ's  freeman." 

In  the  year  1S03,  Mr.  McLeod  delivered,  and  at  the  urgent 
solicitation  of  his  congregation,  published  another  sermon, 
entitled, 

"MESSIAH,  GOVERNOR  OF  THE  NATIONS  OF  THE  EARTH." 

The  occasion  inducing  him  to  publish  this  discourse,  will  be 
best  stated  in  his  own  words,  as  contained  in  the  advertise- 
ment prefixed. 

"  A  theoretical  investigation  of  the  system  of  revealed 
religion  is  of  importance  to  settle  the  faith,  and  direct  the 
practice  of  Christians. 

"  Sensible  of  this,  the  author  of  this  discourse,  since  his 
connection  with  his  ["present  pastoral  charge  in  ISTew  York 
commenced,  has  been  in  the  habit  of  devoting  the  evenings 
of  the  Lord's  day,  to  discussions  of  the  leading  subjects  of 
Divinity,  in  what  appeared  to  him  to  be  the  most  regular 
order. 

"  In  the  prosecution  of  this  sj^stem,  he  has  delivered  to  the 


SEKMON   OX    CHKISt's   HEADSHIP.  G5 

cliurcli  ill  Cliambers  Street,  fom-  discourses  upon  tlie  Medi- 
atory Kingdom  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ.  Of 
these,  the  one  now  offered  to  the  louhlic  was  the  third. 
Those  under  his  pastoral  care  have  requested  him  to  pub- 
lish it,  and  with  their  request  he  thought  it  his  duty  to  com- 
ply. If  it  shall  prove  the  means  of  establishing  their 
confidence  in  the  Saviour,  and  increasing  their  diligence  in 
advancing  his  kingdom,  he  shall  have  cause  to  rejoice  ;  yea, 
and  he  Avill  rejoice." 

The  text  selected  by  Mr.  McLeod,  as  the  foundation  of 
this  excellent  discourse,  is  found  in  Rev.  i,  5 : — "  Jesus  Christ, 
the  Prince  of  the  kings  of  the  earth." 

From  these  words  Mr.  McLeod  deduces  the  following 
truth,  which  lie  proposes  for  discussion. 

"  Christ  as  Mediator,  rules  over  all  the  nations  of  the 
earth." 

This  doctrine  he  confii-ms  by  the  following  arguments : — 
There  is  a  moral  fitness  in  the  mediatorial  person,  to  be%e 
governor  among  the  nations.  It  is  necessary  that  Messiah 
should  rule  the  nations,  because,  otherwise  the  mediatorial 
office  would  be  inadequate  and  imperfect.  Tliis  is  aro-ued 
from  the  promises  of  God  to  the  Son.  From  direct  evidence 
in  the  sacred  volume,  that  a  commission  has  been  actually 
put  into  the  hands  of  the  Mediator,  authorizing  Him  to  rule 
the  nations  of  tlie  earth.  Tliat  Christ  himself  affirms  in 
positive  terms,  that  he  is  in  possession  of  authority  to  rule 
the  nations — several  additional  evidences  are  adduced  to 
attest  the  truth  of  the  doctrine,  such  as  the  Holy  Spirit; 
faithful  ministers,  the  whole  body  of  the  church,  the  angels 
of  light,  with  all  creatures ;  all,  all  proclaim  this  truth— the 
Mediator  rules  the  nations  of  the  earth. 
Mr.  McLeod  next  proceeds  to  set  before  his  readers  the 


66  MEMOm  OF  ALEXANDER  MCLEOD,  D.D. 

principal  acts  of  tlie  Mediator's  administratiou,  viz. :  Tlie 
Mediator  executes  tlie  divine  j)iirj)08es  respecting  the 
nations.  He  opens  the  door  among  the  nations  for  the 
introduction  of  his  gospel.  He  calls  their  snl)jects  into  his 
kingdom  of  special  grace.  In  his  administration  of  the 
gOYernment  of  the  nations,  Messiah  issues  orders  to  earthly 
rulers,  descrijjtive  of  the  manner  in  which  thej  are  to  be- 
have towards  his  church.  This  King  of  nations  overrules 
the  disobedience  of  governors  and  governments,  and  renders 
them  all  subservient  to  his  own  glory,  and  his  church's 
good.  And,  finally,  in  the  administration  of  his  govern- 
ment, Jesus  Christ  pimishes  the  governors  of  the  earth  for 
the  neglect  of  their  duty. 

The-  author  then  proceeds  to  answer  six  different  objec- 
tions, which  had  been,  or  might  be,  made  to  the  doctrine  of 
the  text.  These  objections  occupy  too  much  space  for  this 
abstract.  Tlie  reader  is  referred  to  tlie  discourse  itself, 
which  will  amply  reward  its  perusal. 

Having  discuss'ed  these  objections,  as  we  think,  in  a  very 
masterly  manner,  Mr.  McLeod  proceeds  to  suggest  some 
considerations  on  the  subject,  in  order  to  assert  the  j)roper 
improvement  of  the  doctrine  of  the  text,  viz : — 

1.  That  if  Messiah  be  the  Euler  of  the  nations,  civil 
society,  in  its  constitution  and  administration  of  govern- 
ment, should  bow  to  him,  and  honor  him. 

2.  That  the  ministers  of  the  gospel  are  bound  in  duty,  to 
demand  of  the  constituted  authorities,  direct  obedience  to 
their  King. 

3.  That  it  argues  pusillanimity  in  the  disciples  to  see  the 
crown  of  the  nations  taken  from  the  Mediator's  head,  and 
not  resent  it. 

The  whole  of  this  excellent  and  interestinsr  discourse 


RESIGNS   WALLKILL. 


6Y 


bears  tlic  vivid  impress  of  a  master's  hand.  The  reasoning 
is  demonstrative;  tlie  illustrations  perspicnous;  and  what- 
ever weight  the  objections  may  seem  to  have,  soon  must 
become  evanescent ;  and  the  conclusion  be  irresistible,  that 
no  creature,  system,  law,  or  government  comprehended 
within  the  vast  monarchy  of  God,  could  be  exempted  from 
the  jurisdiction  of  the  Mediator. 

The  application  is  most  impressive;  and  closes  most 
felicitously  with  a  quotation  from  the  seventy-second  Psalm : 
— "  In  His  days  shall  the  righteous  flourish,  and  abimdanc.e 
of  peace,  so  long  as  the  moon  endureth.  He  shall  have 
dominion  from  sea  to  sea ;  and  from  the  river  to  the  ends  of 
the  earth.  They  that  dwell  in  the  wilderness  shall  bow 
before  him,  and  his  enemies  shall  lick  the  dust.  His  name 
shall  endure  for  ever,  and  all  nations  shall  call  him  blessed : 
and  blessed  be  his  glorious  name,  for  ever  and  ever ;  and 
let  the  whole  earth  be  filled  with  his  glory.  Amen,  and 
Amen." 

The  pastoral  conijection  between  Mr.  McLeod  and  the 
Wallkillians  did  not  long  continue.  In  a  short  time  after 
his  settlement  in  the  city  of  Kew  York,  his  congregation 
became  sufficiently  large,  by  increase  of  numbers,  to  feel 
themselves  justified  in  petitioning  Presbytery  for  the  whole 
of  Mr.  McLeod's  time  and  ministerial  labors.  However 
distressino-  the  separation  between  him  and  the  Wallkill 
part  of  his  congregation  might,  in  existing  circumstances, 
be  supposed  to  be,  and  really  was,  the  interests  of  the 
church  required  it ;  and  the  Presbytery,  on  mature  deliber- 
ation, recognized  its  propriety,  and  sanctioned  it.  Mr. 
McLeod's  ministerial  labors,  as  to  pastoral  connection,  were 
then  confined  to  the  congregation  in  the  city  of  ^N'ew  York. 
The  supplying  of  vacancies,  and  the  attendance  on  Ecclesi- 


08  MEMOm  OF  ALEXANDER  MCLEOD,  D.D. 

astical  judicatories  engaged,  at  least,  one-foiu'tli  part  of  liis 
time.  The  balance  was  most  industriously  employed  in 
preparation  for  the  ordinary  jDulpit  exercises,  parochial 
duties,  special  subjects  for  publication  in  the  periodicals  of 
the  day,  miscellaneous  reading,  and  attention  to  the  requisite 
duties  devolving  upon  him  as  a  member  of  the  Kew  York 
Clerical  Association. 

It  has  been  already  observed,  that  this  city  was  at  that 
time  greatly  favored  with  a  number  of  highly  talented 
gospel  ministers,  belonging  to  the  different  sections  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church.  Among  the  more  conspicuous  of 
these  "  burning  and  shining  lights,"  were  Dr.  Livingston, 
\  Linn  and  Abeel,  of  the  Dutch  Reformed  Church  ;  Drs. 
f  Eogers,  Miller  and  Eomeyn,  of  the  General  Assembly  of  the 
I  Presbyterian  Church  ;  and  Dr.  Mason,  himself  a  host,  of  the 
Associate  Reformed  Church.  Mr.  McLeod,  who,  to  use 
the  words  of  Dr.  Ely's  obituary  notice  of  him,  was  "  inferior 
to  none  of  them  in  the  strength  of  his  intellect,  and  superior 
to  them  all  in  the  science  of  the  human  mind,"  was  a  con- 
spicuous star  in  this  brilliant  constellation.  This  Clerical 
Association  was  in  the  habit  of  meeting  every  Monday 
forenoon,  when  they  commenced  with  devotional  exercises  ; 
read  in  rotation,  a  discourse  on  some  especially  interesting 
subject ;  ciiticised  with  candid  and  manly  rigor ;  recipro- 
cally examined  each  other  on  select  topics  of  ecclesiastical 
history  ;  exchanged  sentiments  on  the  passing  occurrences 
of  the  day,  and  finally  closed  the  exercises  by  j)i"ayer.  The 
writer  of  this  memoir,  having  been  himself  once  invited, 
when  on  a  visit  to  New  York,  to  attend  one  of  these  meet- 
ings, witnessed,  with  no  ordinary  degree  of  pleasure,  the 
mutual  exercise  of  fraternal  love ;  the  rich  contributions  to 
the  general  fund  of  intellectual  wealth,  the  gentlemanly 


CLEEICAL  ASSOCIATION?.  69 

deportment,  tlie  Cliristian  urbanity,  and  tlie  holy  oblivion 
of  all  the  minor  differences  characteristic  of  their  respective 
sects,  which  uniformly  adorned  this  Clerical  Association.  He 
conld  not  help  hailing  it  as  one  of  the  incipient  rays  of  the 
millennial  dawn,  streaking  the  ecclesiastical  horizon,  which 
we  have  reason  to  hope  will,  ere  long,  brighten  into  the 
clear  effulgence  of  the  perfect  day.  But  pardon  the  writer, 
if,  while  rioting  on  such  a  delightful  feast,  he  stops  to  drop 
a  tear  over  departed  worth.  "Where  now  are  these  angelic 
stars  which  shone  so  bright  in  their  transit  through  their 
ecclesiastical  orbit?  Most  of  them  are  now  no  longer 
visible  to  the  mortal  eye.  Tliey  have  gone  to  their  reward. 
They  did  not  live  in  vain  ;  nor  die  as  fools,  l^o  ;  the  Rogers, 
the  Livingstons,  the  McKnights,  the  Masons,  the  McLeods, 
though  dead,  yet  speak.  Tliey  shall  be  held  in  everlasting 
remembrance.  They  shall  shine  as  the  brightness  of  the 
firmament,  and  as  the  stars,  for  ever  and  ever.  "  Blessed 
are  the  dead  that  die  in  the  Lord." 

We  add,  as  worthy  of  preservation,  the  Constitution  of  this 
body,  which  we  find  in  the  handwriting  of  Mr.  McLeod, 


CONSTITUTION 

OF  THE 

NEW   YORK   CLERICAL   ASSOCIATION. 

"  Lnpressed  with  the  importance  of  cultivating  theological 
science  and  literature,  as  the  means  of  personal  improvement 
and  ministerial  usefulness ;  and  influenced  by  a  sincere  desire 
to  cherish  brotherly  love,  and  to  secure  a  mutual  underetand- 
ing  and  co-operation  in  promoting  the  interests  of  true 
religion,  we,  the  subscribera,  have  agreed  to  re-organize  " 


70  MEMOIE  OF  ALEXAJSTDER  MCLEOD,   D.D. 

THE  CLERICAL  ASSOCIATION 

OF  THE 

CITY  OF  XEW  YORK, 

■WITH  THE  FOLLOWINO 

C  O  N  S  T  I  T  U  T  I  O  IST . 

"1.  'Tlie  Doctrines  of  tlie  Reformatiori,'  as  expressed  in 
the  several  Confessions  and  Catecliisms  of  the  Reformed 
Chnrches,  are  acknowledged  to  he  agreeahle  to  the  Holy- 
Scriptures,  and,  as  snch,  are  receiyed  as  the  standard,  hy 
which  the  sentiments  advanced  by  the  members  of  this 
association  shall  in  all  cases  be  judged. 

"  2.  The  Clerical  Association  shall  meet  statedly,  once  a 
week,  and  for  the  present,  every  Monday,  at  ten  o'clock 
A.M.,  and  shall  begin  and  close  with  prayer. 

"  3.  Tlie  place  of  meeting  shall  be  the  house  of  some  one 
of  the  members,  of  each  in  his  turn,  so  far  as  convenient ; 
and  the  rotation  shall  be  according  to  the  alphabetical  order 
of  their  names.  Tlie  person,  at  whose  house  the  meeting  is 
held,  shall  be  chairman,  and  shall  constitute  by  prayer.  The 
member  next  in  order  shall  conclude. 

"  4.  Immediately  after  the  Constitution,  some  one  of  the 
members  shall  read  a  sermon  or  other  religious  essay  of  his 
own  composition ;  and  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  each  to  read, 
in  his  turn,  according  to  alphabetical  order,  unless  previously 
excused  by  a. vote  of  tlie  association. 

"  5.  After  the  discourse  is  read,  the  chairman  shall  call 


DE.   MASON. 


upon  eacli  member,  in  regular  order,  to  offer  his  criticism ; 
he  shall  afterwards  make  liis  own  remarks,  and  then  give 
permission  to  ^im  who  read  to  make  his  reply.  For  the 
present,  the  order  in  which  the  members  shall  offer  their 
remarks,  is  that  in  which  they  sit,  proceeding,  with  the 
course  of  the  sun,  from  east  to  west. 

"  G.  That  the  object  of  this  institution  may  be  secured, 
that  a  talent  for  liberal  and  correct  criticism  may  be  che- 
rished, and  that  each  member  may  have  his  proportion  of 
time  to  offer  remarks ;  no  one  shall  be  permitted  to  speak 
except  in  his  turn,  or  for  more  than  ten  minutes  until  the 
question  has  been  put  round. 

"  Afterwards,  if  any  member  has  aught  to  remark  which 
he  formerly  omitted,  which  has  been  suggested  by  the 
animadversions  of  others,  or  occurs  de  7iovo,  he  may  by  per- 
mission of  the  chairman,  but  not  otherwise,  offer  it,  provided 
he  do  not  speak  longer  than  six  minutes.  No  personal  dis- 
putes shall,  in  any  case,  be  tolerated. 

"  T.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  chairman  to  preserve  order  ; 
to  put  the  question  ;  to  announce  the  place  of  the  next  meet- 
in  »•  ;  to  designate  the  person  who  is,  next  in  order,  to  read  ; 
and  then,  call  upon  hiin  whose  turn  it  is  to  conclude  with 
prayer. 

"  8.  Honorary  members  may  be  elected  by  this  associa- 
tion. Every  member  shall  have  the  right  6i  introducing 
clerical  friends  to  its  meetings ;  and  any  member  may  at 
pleasure  withdraw  his  name  from  the  Constitution." 


It  is  said  of  Dr.  John  M.  Mason,  that  after  one  of  the 


72  ItlEMOIK  OF  ALEXANDER  MCLEOD,   D.D. 

meetings  of  tlie  Clerical  Association  had  terminated,  liC 
taj^ped  Dr.  McLeod  familiarly  on  tlie  head,  and  said  :  "  How 
did  jon  get  so  much  into  that  little  head,  Dr.*  McLeod  ? " 

About  this  time  Mr.  McLeod,  by  his  mamage  to  Mary 
Anne  Agnew,  laid  a  solid  foundation  for  domestic  fecility. 
This  event  took  place  on  the  16th  of  September,  1805.  Miss 
Agnew  was  an.  amiable,  pious,  and  accomplished  young  lady, 
a  member  of  his  own  congregation,  and  the  daughter  of  Mr. 
John  Agnew,  one  of  his  elders.  Mr.  Agnew  was  an  emi- 
grant from  L'eland,  county  Antrim,  near  the  town  of  Conner. 
He  had  married  a  sister  of  the  Reverend  "William  Stavely, 
a  i^ious  and  popular  minister  of  the  Reformed  Presbyterian 
Church  in  the  Korth  of  L-eland.  Mr.  Agnew  had  been  long 
a  resident  in  the  city  of  I^Tew  York,  engaged  in  mercantile 
business,  and  by  diligence,  punctuality,  and  prudence,  had 
become  both  highly  respectable  and  opulent.  He  was  a 
gentleman  of  sound  judgment,  of  the  most  stern  and  uncom- 
promising integrity,  of  undoubted  piety,  and  a  rigid  adherent 
to  the  principles  of  the  Reformed  Presbyteriafl.  Church. 
He  was  particularly  attentive  to  the  religious  education  of 
his  children  ;  and  Anne,  a  young  lady  of  handsome  person, 
agreeable  manners,  elegant  accomplishments,  and  strong  and 
vigorous  intellect,  atti'acted  the  attention,  and  won  the  love 
of  the  subject  of  this  memoir.  Tliey  were  married.  They 
lived  in  great  happiness  and  mutual  love.  Their  matrimo- 
nial union  was  in  due  time  blessed  with  a  son,  whom  they 
named  after  maternal,  and  paternal  grandfathers,  John  Niel. 
This  same  son  afterwards  became  his  fother's  colleague,  and 
is  now  his  successor  in  the  Chambers  Street  congregation. 

Mr.  McLeod's  domestic  cares  did  not  relax,  but  rather 
invigorated,  his  literary  and  ministerial  exertions.    His  house 


TESTniOXT   EXHIBITED.  73 

was  tlie  abode  of  clieerfulness,  the  home  of  religion,  the 
school  of  intelligence,  and  the  seat  of  hospitality.  His 
benevolence^was  of  the  most  diffusive  character ;  his  benefi- 
cence, practical  and  destitute  of  ostentatious  parade.  In 
his  charitable  contributions,  he  was  j)articiilarly  careful,  that 
his  left  hand  should  never  know  the  operations  of  the  right. 

Meanwhile,  though  the  ministers  were  few  in  nunil)er,  it 
was  deemed  expedient  that  as  an  Ecclesiastical  Judicatory, 
exercising  authority  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
"  they  should  bind  up  the  testimony  and  seal  the  law  among 
the  disciples."  After  much  deliberation.  Presbytery  resolved 
to  exhibit  to  the  world  their  views  of  the  great  scriptural 
doctrines  of  the  Reformation  in  the  most  simple  form.  Tliey 
were  convinced  that  the  unity  of  the  church  required  unity 
in  her  doctrinal  standards. 

The  admission  of  anything  local,  or  peculiar  to  any  one 
part  of  the  world,  would  necessarily  interfere  with  the  unity 
of  the  church ;  abstract  principle  is  miafiected  with 
geographical  localities.  The  aj)plication,  however,  of  the 
same  abstract  system  of  principles,  must  be  modified  by 
peculiarity  of  circumstances.  This  application  should  be 
plain,  pointed,  and  argumentative,  adapted  to  convince,  to 
persuade,  and  to  confirm.  Tlie  Court  anticipated  a  period, 
when,  as  the  Lord  is  one,  so  His  name,  doctrine  and  wor- 
ship, should  be  one  over  the  whole  earth. 

With  these  views  the  Presbytery  appointed  Mr.  McLeod, 
to  prepare  a  draught  of  such  a  system.  The  task  was  one 
of  no  inconsiderable  difficulty.  It  was  executed  with  all 
convenient  speed,  and  great  accm-acy.  In  it,  doctrines  are 
stated  with  the  Scripture  authorities  from  which  they  are 
deduced,  and  the  opposing  errors  are  expressed  and  con- 
demned. 

6 


74  MEMOIR   OF   ALEXANDER   MC  LEOD,    D.D  . 

Tlie  clraiiglit  thus  prepared  "by  Mr.  McLeod  was  by 
PresLytery  carefully  considered,  and  some  amendments 
j^roposed  and  adopted.  .After  prayer  by  a  member,  tlie 
moderator  put  tlie  question  :  "Approve  or  disapprove  of  tlie 
drauglit,  as  now  amended  ?"  The  members  answered  unani- 
mously, "Approve." 

The  Court  did  therefore  approve  and  ratify  this  testimony, 
as  the  testimony  of  the  Keformed  Presbyterian  Church  in 
the  United  States  of  North  America.  Done  at  Kew  York, 
15th  May,  1800. 

Prefixed  to  the  Act  and  Testimony  is  a  compendious  history 
of  God's  covenant  society,  or  church,  from  the  beginning 
of  the  world  until  the  advent  of  Messiah.  Thence  till  the 
exhibition  of  Peformation  principles  by  the  Keformed  Preby- 
terian  Church  in  tliese  United  States.  The  particular 
history  of  our  own  section  of  the  Christian  church,  from  the 
time  of  the  second  Eeformation  in  Britain,  between  163S 
and  '19,  till  the  exhibition  of  the  Testimony  in  1S06,  in 
America. 

The  importance  of  the  whole  plan  will  be  best  mani- 
fested by  furnishing  an  extract  from  the  preface  to  the 
historical  document.  "The  plan  upon  which  the  Eeformed 
Presbytery  propose  to  exhibit  their  principles  to  the  world, 
embraces  three  parts. 

"The  first  is  historical;  the  second,  declaratory ;  and  the 
third,  argumentative.  The  historical  part  exhibits  the 
church  as  a  visible  society,  in  covenant  with  God,  in  the  dif- 
ferent periods  of  time ;  and  points  out  precisely  the  situation 
which  tliey  themselves  occupy  as  a  distinct  part  of  the 
catholic  body.  The  declaratory  part  exhibits  the  truths 
which  they  embrace,  as  a  church,  and  the  errors  which  they 
condemn.     The  argumentative  part  consists  of  a  full  investi- 


CREED   OP   THE   CIlURCn.  75 

gation  of  the  various  ecclesiactical  systems  wliicli  are  known 
in  the  United  States. 

"The  declaratory  partis  the  church's  standing  Testimony. 
It  contains  principles  capable  of  universal  application.  To 
these  principles,  founded  upon  the  Scriptures,  simply 
stated,  and  invarial^ly  the  same  in  all  parts  of  the  world, 
every  adult  church  member  is  to  giN'e  an  unequivocal 
assent. 

"  llie  historical  part  is  a  help  to  the  understanding  of  the 
principles  of  the  Testimony.  It  is  partly  founded  on  human 
records,  and  therefore  not  an  article  of  faith ;  but  it  should 
be  carefully  perused,  as  an  illustration  of  divine  truth,  and 
instructive  to  the  church ;  it  is  a  helper  to  the  faith. 

"  The  argumentative  j)art  is  the  particular  application  of 
the  principles  of  the  Testimony.  It  specifies  the  people 
who  maintain  errors,  and  exposes  the  errors  Avhich  they 
maintain.  The  confidence  which  persons  ma}^  place  in  this 
part  of  the  system,  will  partly  rest  our  human  testimony. 
It  is  not,  therefore,  recommended  as  an  article  of  faith,  Init 
as  a  means  of  instruction  in  opposing  error,  and  gaining 
over  others  to  the  knowledge  of  the  truth." 

Here  it  is  expressly  stated,  that  the  declaratory  part  alone 
constitutes  the  creed,  unto  which  unequivocal  assent  is  to  be 
given.  This  is  a  very  important  consideration.  It  covers 
much  more  ground  tlian  many  suppose.  It  is  a  most  judi- 
cious declaration. 


7C  MEMOIR  OF  ALEXAimEK  MCLEOD,   I),V.- 


CHAPTER  VI. 

1804. 

The  Episcopal  Controversy. 

In"  tlie  meantime  Mr.  McLeocT  was  indefatigable  in  his- 
literary  and  ministerial  labors.  lie  preacbed  tliree  times 
every  Sabbatli.  On  tbo  evenings  bis  discussions  were 
eminently  argumentative,  the  topics  intei-esting,  and  tbe 
investigations  profound.  Tbey  commanded  crowded  audi- 
ences, and  were  attended  by  many  of  tbe  clergy,  and.  other 
literary  characters  of  New  Tork  city,  who  were  pleased  and 
edified  by  tbe  profound  research  and  accurate  discrimina- 
tion displayed  by  the  preacher.  In  metaphysical  acimien 
and  just  definition,  he  had  no  superior.  When  we  add  to  the 
preparations  necessary  for  such  exhibitions  of  divine  truth, 
the  parochial  duties  of  an  extensive  congregation,  scattered 
over  tbe  whole  city,  his  social  intercourse  with  clerical 
brethren,  the  numerous  visits  given  and  received,  we  are 
forced  to  wonder  how  he  found  time  for  any  literary  pro- 
ductions. But  he  had  previously  studied  carefully,  and  well 
digested,  the  standard  authors.  He  had  perused  them  with 
a  precision  that  made  them  completely  his  own.  Locke, 
Eeed,  Stewart  and  Edwards,  with  others  of  the  best  intellec- 
tual and  moral  writers,  were  his  most  intimate  acquaintances. 
Indeed,  nothing  short  of  an  originally  powerful  mind,  drilled 


ECCLESIASTICAL   CATECHISM.  77 

by  rigorous  discipline,  and  enriched  by  the  various  stores  of 
general  literature,  could  have  produced  the  effusions  of  liis 
pen,  at  that  time.  Collaterally  with  the  ministerial  labors 
just  mentioned,  he  composed  his  Ecclesiastical  CatecMsm. 
At  that  period,  the  Episcopal  controversy  ran  high  in  Xcw 
York.  Early  in  the  summer  of  ISO-l,  the  Ilev.  John  Henry 
Ilobert — afterwards  Dr.  and  Bishop — an  assistant  minister  of 
Trinity  Church  in  the  city  of  jSTcw  York,  published  a  book 
entitled  : 

"  A  Comjxuuon  to  the  Altar :  consisting  of  a  short  Exjylica- 
tion  of  the  Lord's  Supper  ;  and  Meditations  and  Prayers, 
proper  to  l)e  used  hefore,  and  during  the  receiving  of  the  Holy 
Communion,  according  to  the  Form  prescribed  in  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church  in  the  United  States  of  America.''^ 

This  volume,  and  another  from  the  same  gentleman,  the 
same  year,  had  excited  some  surprise,  not  only  among 
Presbyterians,  but  also  among  discreet  Episcopalians. 
Claims  for  Episcopacy  were  therein  advanced,  which  it  was 
believed  would  be  extremely  difficult,  if  not  impossible,  to 
substantiate. 

Mr.  jMcLeod,  who  was  not  an  inattentive  observer  of  the 
events  transpiring  around  liim,  both  in  the  civil  and  religious 
community,  proceeded  immediately  to  compile  a  catechism 
in  reference  to  that  controversy.  It  was  composed  for  the 
immediate  benefit  of  his  own  congregation,  and  afterwards 
published  at  the  urgent  solicitation  of  iiis  friends.  He  was 
anxious  to  see  some  plan  of  instruction  in  the  hands  of  the 
youthful  part  of  his  charge,  which  should  embrace  a  view  of 
the  church  as  a  visible  society.  He  adopted  tlie  form  of 
question  and  answer,  recommended  by  experience  as  the 
best  for  iustructing  the  young  disciple.  In  the  fifrli  page  of 
the  Preface  he  remarks :     "  Although  tlicre  ;!re  many  excel- 


78  MEMOIE   OF   ALEX^ySTOEE   MCLEOD,    D,D. 

lent  summaries  of  evangelical  doctrine,  reduced  to  tins  form, 
and  adapted  to  every  capacity,  there  is  none  whicli  illus- 
trates the  order  and  government  of  the  church. 

"The  author  of  the  Catechism  felt  this  deficiency,  and  has 
endeavored  to  supply  it.  He  has  for  t^vo  years  been  making 
the  experiment  of  the  efficacy  of  this  summary  upon  the 
younger  part  of  his  own  congregation,  and  the  effect  has 
been  extremely  pleasing.  lie  hopes  that  it  will  be  lasting. 
That  sincere  piety  and  Presbyteriauism  will  grow  with  their 
growth,  and  strengthen  with  their  strength." 

The  whole  of  this  performance,  text  and  notes,  is  a 
masterly  exhibition  of  ecclesiastical  order  and  Presbyterian 
regimen.  It  evinces  a  thorough  accpiaintance  with  the 
subject,  and  ]3resents  a  fabric  of  truth,  on  which  the 
artillery  of  Episcopacy,  directed  even  by  the  skill  of  the 
learned  Dr.  Tlobart,  could  make  no  impression.  The  shot 
rebounded  from  the  bulwark  of  truth  upon  the  head  of  the 
assailant.  "  Great  is  the  truth."  Tliis  little  manual  exposed 
more  effectually  and  more  j^alpably,  than  anything  which 
had  gone  before  it,  the  unfounded,  the  arrogant,  and 
exclusive  claims  of  American  Episcopacy.  In  a  funeral 
sermon  entitled — "A  Tribute  of  Eespect  to  the  Memory  of 
Alexander  McLeod,  D.D.,  by  Stephen  E".  Rowan,  D.D.," 
belonging  to  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian 
church,  the  learned  and  eloquent  author,  in  page  20,  sj)eak- 
ing  of  this  Catechism  and  the  state  of  the  Episcopal  con- 
troversy at  that  time,  1806,  in  the  State  of  'New  York,  says : 
"In  that  (the  Catechism),  he  gave  his  people  and  the 
world  correct  views  of  church  order  and  government.  He 
taught  that  the  laying  on  of  the  hands  of  the  Presbytery  is 
as  valid  ordination,  as  that  of  a  Bench  of  Bishops,  lliat 
the  Presbyter  is  the  true  elder  of  the  church  of  God,  exer- 


DES.    MASON"   AXD   IMILLEK.  79 

cisiiig  the  office  iu  the  two  departments  of  teaching,  and 
ruling.  That  the  episcopacy  is,  in  fact,  only  one  duty  of 
the  niinisterial  office,  and  common  to  all  who  sustain  it. 
It  is  the  oversight  and  pastoral  care  of  the  flock  committed 
to  their  charge,  in  imitation  of  Him  who,  in  the  character 
of  Mediator,  is  styled  the  SnEPUERD  and  Bisnor  of  souls. 

"  The  controversy  on  this  subject,  in  which  Drs.  McLeod, 
Mason,  and  Miller  were  champions  on  the  one  side,  has  done 
substantial  good  to  the  American  churches,  as  it  has  brought 
the  Episcopal  brethren  to  respect,  as  their  equals,  the  Bishops 
of  the  Presbytery ;  and  especially  as  it  has  done  more  than 
any  other  thing  to  prevent  that  desired  union  between 
Church  and  State,  which  is  most  unjustly  and  iniquitously 
charged  upon  the  Presbyterians.  The  harness,  in  this 
matter,  is  now  placed  on  the  right  animal." 

The  same  writer  continues  to  add  : — ^"  The  Ecclesiastical 
Catechism,  containing  these  scriptural  sentiments,  received 
flattering  notices  from  the  reviewers.  Dr.  Mason  of  the 
Christian  Magazine,  and  Dr.  Thompson  of  the  Edinburgh 
Christian  Instructor." 

On  the  first  appearance  of  the  Catechism,  Dr.  Mason, 
editor  of  the  Christian  Magazine,  Art.  11.,  vol.  1,  says : — 
"  Manuals  of  elementary  instruction,  in  the  form  of  question 
and  answer,  from  their  long  and  approved  utility,  have 
obtained  a  kind  of  prescriptive  right  to  regard.  But  while 
the  press  has  teemed  with  catechisms  on  religious  doctrines, 
information  concerning  the  constitution  and  order  of  Christ's 
Kingdom  on  earth  has  been  left,  for  the  most  part,  to  those 
volumes  of  ponderous  literature,  which  are  accessible  to 
few,  and  utterly  useless  to  the  generality  of  readers.  The 
effects  of  this  negligence  are  but  too  apparent.  We  are, 
therefore,  glad  to  draw  the  public  attention  to  this  matter, 


80  MEMOIE   OF   ALEXANDER   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

and  to  bring  a  view  of  the  Christian  church  within  the  reach 
of  juvenile  understanding,  and  the  poor  man's  purse.  It  is 
obvious,  from  the  number  of  subjects,"  continues  the 
reviewer,  "  compared  with  the  size  of  the  book,  that 
nothing  more  is  intended  by  the  Catechism  than  an  outline 
of  truth  and  argument.  Diverse  and  valuable  matter,  how- 
ever, is  to  be  found  under  every  one  of  the  heads  enumer- 
ated, viz. :  The  Christian  Church — Chiirch  Fellowshi/p — ■ 
Church  Government — Church  Offices- — Church  Courts — Reli- 
gious Worship — Church  Discipline.  To  which  are  added, 
explanatory  notes. 

"  "We  know  well  the  rank  which  the  author  holds,  and  ought 
to  hold,  in  the  scale  of  both  sense  and  talent.  We  can 
cheerfully  recommend  this  work  to  the  serious  reader ;  and 
sincerely  wish  that  its  acceptance  with  the  public  may 
encourage  and  enable  him  to  emit,  in  a  short  time,  a  new 
and  improved  edition." 

Dr.  Thompson,  editor  of  the  Christian  Instructor,  for 
March,  1821,  thus  expresses  his  cordial  approbation  of  this 
catechetical  synopsis : — ■ 

"  So  useful  has  the  catechetical  mode  of  conveying 
instruction  appeared,  that  it  has  been  applied  to  almost 
every  subject  within  the  compass  of  human  knowledge. 
And  why  should  not  a  staunch  Presbyterian  of  the  old 
school,  come  forward  with  his  Eccleslvstigal  Catechism 
also,  and  claim  to  be  heard  on  the  particular  merits  of  Pres- 
byterianism,  and  its  claims  to  be  received  as  of  divine 
authority  ? 

."The  contents  of  this  small  but  valuable  work  are — 
Questions  relative  to  the  Christian  Church — Chiirch  Fellow- 
shi]) — Church  Government — Church  Officers — Church  Courts 
— Religious  Worship — and  Church  Discipline.  The  j)roofs  are 


ANTIDOTE   AGAINST   PEELACT.  81 

quoted  at  length,  and  appear  in  general  to  be  well  selected 
and  applied.  The  notes  appended  to  the  work  are  extremely 
valuable.  They  contain  much  full  illustration  of  the  different 
subjects  treated  of  in  the  body  of  the  Catechism  ;  and  throw 
no  small  light  on  tlie  history  of  the  church,  and  on  the 
various  passages  of  the  word  of  God,  which  treat  of  spi- 
ritual government  or  of  law.  Did  our  limits  admit,  we 
could  with  pleasure  quote  the  able  and  satisfactory  remarks 
on  the  terms  Churchy  Presbyter]/^  Jewish  Si/7iagogues,  Im^o- 
jposit'wn  of  Hands,  Deacons,  Baptism,  &c.  &c.  We  beg 
leave  to  recommend  this  tract  very  strongly,  to  all  those 
who  wish  to  be  established  in  the  itiitli  and  profession  of 
their  fathers,  and  not  to  be  moved  about  with  every  wind 
of  doctrine." 

Tliis  invaluable  little  work  has  already  gone  through  ten 
editions,  in  Europe  and  America,  and  may  be  fairly  consi- 
dered as  the  best  compendious  view  of  the  substance  and 
marrow  of  Presbyterianism.  The  Albany  Miscellanies,  and 
Keviews  in  the  Christian  Magazine — these  last  chiefly  from 
the  same  pen  with  the  Catechism — were  little  more  than 
legitimate  developments  of  the  nuclei  which  it  contained. 

This  ecclesiastical  compend  has  been  introduced  with 
evident  profit  into  many  of  the  sabbath  schools  of  the 
Iveformed  Presbyterian  Church.  It  is  eminently  serviceable 
for  imbuing  the  young  mind  with  a  distinct  and  accurate 
knowledge  of  the  nature  of  the  Christian  church,  her  oflicers 
and  order.  And  the  fact,  that  it  has  already  gone  through 
so  many  editions,  testifies  in  what  light  it  is  regarded  by  the 
religious  public.  "Were  it  more  extensively  introduced 
among  Presbyterians  generally,  it  could  scarcely  fail  to 
operate  as  a  successful  antidote  against  the  unfounded  claims 
of  the  Episcopal  Hierarcliy. 


82  MEMOIR   OF   ALEXANDER   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

Tlie  concurrence  and  approbation  of  their  sister  clmrclies 
in  tlie  Britisli  Isles  having  l)een  cordially  obtained,  and  a 
plan  of  correspondence  calcidated  to  subserve  and  cherish 
that  intimacy  which  ought  both  to  exist  and  be  cultivated 
among  churches  acknowledging  the  same  standards  of  doc- 
trine, having  been  established,  the  Eeformed  Presbyterian 
Church  began  to  put  on  a  more  settled  and  organized  appear- 
ance. The  various  committees  which  Presbytery  had 
appointed,  exercised  jurisdiction  over,  and  attended  to  such 
cases  of  discipline  as  occurred  within  their  respective 
bounds.  But  they  still  felt  greatly  the  want  of  ministerial 
assistance,  arising  from  the  paucity  of  official  laborers  in  the 
vineyard,  and  tlie  widely  scattered  state  of  their  religious 
connections.  Their  European  bretliren  were  unable  to 
afford  them  any  relief.  The  Lord  of  the  harvest,  however, 
did  not  forget  us.  lie  put  it  into  the  hearts  of  several  devout 
young  men,  to  enter  on  such  a  course  of  studies  as  might  be 
considered  necessary  to  qualify  them  for  entering  a  Theolo- 
gical Seminary.  Among  these  were  Mr.  Williams,  already 
mentioned  ;  and  next  after  him,  Mr.  John  Kielly,  a  young 
man  of  sterling  moral  worth,  and  unfeigned  piety.  He  was 
a  most  industrious  student,  and  by  his  great  assiduity  and 
unremitting  application,  nearly  eight  years  after  his  arrival 
in  this  country,  in  1797,  was  prepared  to  be  licensed  to 
preach  the  everlasting  gospel.  He  supplied  the  vacancies 
within  the  bounds  of  the  !N"orthern  and  Middle  Committees, 
with  acceptance  among  the  people,  and  was  afterwards  sent 
to  South  Carolina,  where  he  Avas  finally  settled  on  a  unani- 
mous call  presented  l:»y  a  vacant  congregation  thei-e.  ISText 
after  Mr.  Hielly,  Mr.  James  Wilson,  a  native  of  the  Forks- 
of-Yough,  Alleghany  County,  and  graduate  of  Canonsburg 
College,  was  put  on  trials,  and  various  prejiaratory  pieces 


STANDING    COimiTTEE.    '  83 

assigned  liim.  It  may  be  proper  here  to  remark,  tliat  Messrs. 
McLeod  and  Wylie  had  l)cen  some  time  before  appointed 
a  standing  committee,  to  take  cognizance  of,  and  exercise 
jurisdiction  in  any  de  novo  case,  ]}ro  re  natCt  business,  or  any 
other  emergent  occurrences,  to  which,  from  their  proximity 
— being  only  about  one  hundred  miles  apart — they  might 
witliout  great  difficulty  attend.  Tlieir  transactions,  of  course, 
were  to  be  always  reported  to  the  next  regular  meeting  of 
Presbyter3\  Before  this  committee  Mr.  James  Wilson  was 
called  to  deliver  his  last  pieces  of  trial  for  licensure.  Tliese 
were  duly  delivered  and  sustained;  and  the  candidate 
accordingly  authorized  to  preach  the  everlasting  gospel. 
Mr.  Wilson  had  attended  some  time  to  the  study  of  theology, 
under  the  inspection  of  the  Kev.  Mr.  McLeod  ;  and  living 
in  the  ftimily,  had  an  excellent  opportunity  of  acquiring 
theological  knowledge.  This  opportunity,  Mr.  Wilson,  whose 
talents  were  of  a  high  order,  and  whose  industry  was  inde- 
fatigable, did  not  fail  to  improve.  Mr.  Wilson  was  sent, 
forthwith,  to  assist  in  supplying  our  numerous  A'acancies. 
Still,  however,  the  demand  for  laborers  in  the  vineyard  was 
much  more  extensive  than  could  be  supplied  by  the  com- 
mittees, who,  though  committees  in  name,  were  all  exercis- 
ing full  Presbyterial  power,  doing  everything  that  Presby- 
teries are  in  the  habit  of  doing.  At  the  annual  meetings 
of  Presbytery,  they  reported  to  it,  as  the  Presbyteries  now 
do  to  Synod. 

Tlie  prospects  of  the  church  began  now  to  brighten  by 
fresh  accessions  of  strength.  Young  men  of  talent,  and 
piety,  and  liberally  educated,  presented  themselves,  and  after 
due  trials  and  examination,  were  licensed ;  and  having 
itinerated  some  time  through  the  vacancies,  were  successively 
called,  ordained,  and  settled  in  our   conirreirations.     Mr. 


84:  MEMOIR  OF  ALEXANDER  MCLEOD,  D.D. 

Gilbert  McMaster,  wlio  liad  been  educated  at  Canonsburg 
College,  was  Kcensed  by  Presbytery,  at  a  meeting  in  Conoco- 
clieague,  Oct.  7,  1S07,  at  wliicli  meeting  Mr.  Mattliew  Wilr 
liams,  who  bad  been  ordained  and  installed  at  Pine  Creek, 
AUegbany  County,  was  introduced  to  the  Court,  and  admit- 
ted to  a  seat  accordingly. 

At  tbis  meeting,  various  matters  of  deep  interest  came 
under  tbe  deliberation  of  Court.  Tlie  Presbytery  bad,  here- 
tofore, since  tbe  publication  of  tbe  testimony,  no  ojDportunity 
of  considering  tbe  terms  of  ecclesiastical  communion,  usually 
read  in  congregations,  before  delivering  tokens  of  admission 
to  tbe  Lord's  table.  Tbey  appointed  a  committee,  consisting 
of  Messrs.  McLeod  and  Wylie,  to  revise  said  terms  and 
report  tbereon. 

On  deliberation,  tbe  committee  reported,  as  follows : 
"  That  bowever  desirable  it  is,  to  read  out  in  congregations, 
immediately  before  tbe  distributions  of  tokens  of  admission 
to  tbe  Lord's  table,  a  summary  of  tbe  articles  of  faitb  upon 
wbicb  tbey  join  in  eliurcb  fellowsliip,  these  cannot  be 
reduced  into  a  permanent  definite  form,  until  tbe  wbole 
system  of  ecclesiastical  order  sball  bave  been  completed. 
It  is  nevertheless  recpiisite  that  church  members  should  be 
referred  to  the  faithful  efforts  of  their  predecessors  in  the 
Keformation,  and  kept  in  remembrance  of  their  unity  with 
the  Presbyterian  Church  in  Europe,"  they  therefore  recom- 
mended, in  the  meantime,  an  abstract. 

[See,  for  these  _  documents,  the  published  standards  of 
the  church.] 

The  most  important  transaction  during  the  session  of  this 
meeting,  was  the  report  of  a  committee  appointed  to  inrpiire 
whether  it  be  expedient,  in  existing  circumstances,  for  tbis 
church  to  make  exertion  for  the  creation  of  a  Theoloo-ical 


THEOLOGICAL   SEMINARY.  §5 

Seminary,  for  the  education  of  youtli  for  the  liolj  ministry  ; 
and  if  exi3edient,  to  report  to  the  Court,  an  outline  of  a  plan 
for  a  cause  of  theological  instruction.  The  committee 
reiDorted. 

That  in  their  opinion,  an  attempt  should  be  made  to 
establish  such  an  institution.  The  following  plan  for  its 
govermnent  and  regulation,  was  afterwards  drawn  up  and 
presented  bj  Mr.  McLeod,  and  adopted  and  sanctioned  by 
the  Court. 

"COI^STITUTIOK 

"of  the  theological  seminaky  op  the  eefoemed  teesby- 

TEKIAN   CnHRCH. 

"The  Holy  Scriptures  of  the  Old  and  New  Testaments,  are 
given  to  miserable  man,  as  the  lively  oracles  of  God,  which 
are  able  to  make  wise  unto  salvation,  through  faith,  which 
is  in  Christ  Jesus  ;  and  it  is  the  institution  of  Heaven,  that 
the  living  preacher  should  accompany  the  word  of  inspira- 
tion, in  order  to  exj^lain  and  apply  its  doctrines  to  the  salva- 
tion of  souls.  It  is,  accordingly,  of  the  greatest  importance 
to  the  church  of  God,  that  fallen  men  be  regularly  and 
extensively  supplied  with  a  legitimate  gospel  ministry. 

"The  Head,  Christ,  in  providing  for  his  body,  the  Church, 
'  Pastors  and  Teachers,'  employs  the  ordinary  advantages  of 
a  good  education,  as  well  as  good  natural  endowments,  and 
the  gifts  of  grace.  He  will  not,  it  is  true,  l)e  at  any  time 
destitute  of  suitable  instruments  for  the  execution  of  His 
purpose  of  love ;  for  when  the  ordinary  course  of  Provi- 
dence appears  to  fail  in  furnishing  qualified  men  for  the 
work  of  the  ministry,  he  confers  by  miracle  the  necessary 


S6  MEMOIR   OF   ALEXANDEE   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

abilitv  upon  liis  chosen  servants.  In  the  faith  of  his 
power,  it  is  the  duty  of  every  church  to  use  exertions  for 
procuring  faithful  men,  Avho  shall  he  able  to  teach  others ; 
and  as  it  does  not  fall  within  the  province  of  human  labor, 
to  communicate  supernatural  gifts,  it  becomes  necessary  to 
provide  a  good  system  of  Theological  instruction,  for  those 
who  have  it  in  view  to  preach  the  gospel  of  God.  To 
withhold  such  exertions  would  be  grossly  criminal ;  and  to 
expect  without  them,  a  succession  of  well  qualified  public 
laborers,  would  certainly  be  presumptuous.  For  the  neces- 
sary gifts  which  are  bej^ond  our  power,  let  us  pray  and 
hope,  but  for  attaining  whatever  lies  within  the  reach  of 
ordinary  agency,  let  the  church  spare  no  exertions.  This  is 
the  dictate  both  of  reason  and  religion. 

"  Piety  is  the  first  qualification  for  ministering  in  holy 
things.  Xo  man  can  be  lawfully  admitted  to  membership 
in  the  Christian  Church,  much  less  to  oifice  in  it,  while 
evidently  void  of  practical  godliness. 

"  Good  sense  is  the  second  qualification  for  the  ministry. 
A  teacher  without  talents  to  give  instruction,  would  be  an 
injury  to  any  society ;  and  an  officer  without  discretion  in 
the  exercise  of  his  authority,  would  be  no  better.  To  call  to 
the  ministry  a  man  of  no  talents,  is  an  incongruity  not  to 
be  charged  to  the  Head  of  the  church. 

"  A  good  Theological  education  is  the  third  pre-requisite 
for  a  candidate  for  the  office  of  the  gospel  ministry.  Edu- 
cation can  never  be  sustained  as  a  substitute  for  se7\se  or 
jpiety.  ]N^fiy,  learning  and  talents  unsanctified,  are  a  curse. 
But  the  very  injury  which  tlie  church  has  sustained,  Jind 
still  sufi:ers,  from  abused  literature,  is  a  powerful  argument 
for  employing  tlie  best  erudition  in  support  of  truth.  The 
weapon  which  is  so  detrimental  in  the  hand  of  an  adversary, 


THE   ABLE   MINISTEK.  87 

must  be  valnaLle  wlieii  wielded  by  a  friend  of  Zion.  It  is 
not  mere  learning  that  is  recommended;  it  is  Christian 
erudition.  This  is  always  desirable  to  the  yonth  of  piety 
and  sense ;  and  it  is  al)solntely  indispensable  to  an  able 
minister  of  the  Kew  Testament.  Miracles  have  ceased, 
and  instruction  must  be  sought  for  in  the  use  of  suitable 
means. 

"  It  behoves  the  sacred  teacher  to  be  acquainted  with  those 
languages  in  which  Divine  Eevelation  is  written.  An 
ambassador  ought  to  be  able  to  read  the  text  in  which 
his  instructions  are  delivered.  An  able  minister  must  be,  of 
course,  a  good  linguist." 

"The* nature  and  character  of  mankind  ought  also  to  be 
understood  by  him  wlib  is  appointed  to  instruct  and  per- 
suade, to  direct,  and  to  reduce  sinners  to  the  discipline  of 
righteousness.  He  should  therefore,  be  acquainted  with 
the  philosophy  of  the  human  mind,  and  the  kindred 
sciences.     The  pastor  should  be  a  metaphysician. 

"Error,  in  order  to  be  refuted,  and  truth,  in  order  to 
be  taught  and  applied,  must  be  understood.  The  correct 
exposition  of  a  great  part  of  the  Bible,  however,  depends  on 
a  knowledge  of  ancient  nsages,  and  of  events  which  have 
long  since  come  to  pass.  The  able  expositor  of  Scripture 
must,  therefore,  be  versed  in  history,  both  civil  and  ecclesi- 
astical. 

"A  preacher  of  the  gospel  must  not  be  a  novice,  but  should 
study  to  show  himself  an  a})proved  workman,  that  needeth 
not  to  be  ashamed.  The  Christian  minister  should  be 
accordingly  acquainted  with  the  state  of  science,  and  the 
other  literary  attainments  of  the  age  in  which  he 
lives." 

"  The  long  experience  of  the  chm-ches  proves,  it  proof  were 


88  MEMOIR   OF  ALEXANDER  M*^  LEOD,   D.D. 

necessary,  tliat  such  a  ministrv  cannot  be  attained  without 
a  regular  system  of  instruction  in  Theology. 

"  In  order,  therefore,  to  provide  a  succession  of  able  men 
for  the  gospel  ministry,  through  the  medium  of  such  a 
system  of  Theological  instruction  as  may,  with  the  blessing 
of  Heaven,  cultivate  and  improve  the  minds  of  pious  and 
sensible  youth,  the  Supreme  Judicatory  of  the  Eeformed 
Presbyterian  Church  in  America,  has  established  a  Theolog- 
ical Seminary,  with  a  Constitution,"  which  will  be  found 
elsewhere ;  it  is  therefore  unnecessary  to  insert  it  here. 

The  duties  specified  and  prescribed  in  the  Constitution, 
contemplated  a  full  and  complete  organization  in  an 
advanced  state  of  the  church.  At  least  five  professors 
would  be  required  to  do  justice  to  all  the  topics  of  instruc- 
tion. One  could  do  little  more  than  give  the  students 
directions,  and  attend  to  an  outline  of  their  execution ;  and 
without  digging  out  and  manufacturing  the  ore  for  their 
use,  point  them  to  the  mines  where  it  was  contained  of  the 
best  quality,  and  in  the  greatest  abundance.  This  document 
dropped  from  the  pen  of  Mr.  McLeod ;  and  considering  the 
time,  the  circumstances,  and  the  want  of  models  of  other 
institutions  of  the  kind,  it  is  certainly  very  creditable  to 
its  author. 

The  Court,  at  this  meeting,  appointed  the  Uev.  Samuel 
B.  Wylie  Professor  of  Theology.  Previously  to  this  meet- 
ing, Presbytery  had  decreed  the  creation  of  a  fund  to  meet 
contingent  exigencies.  Of  this  fund  Mr.  McLeod  had 
been  appointed  the  treasurer.  The  already  existing  fund, 
together  with  that  to  be  raised  for  the  support  of  the  Semi- 
nary, was,  by  Presbytery,  amalgamated,  and  Mr.  McLeod 
was  continued  the  treasurer.  Messrs.  Gibson,  Black,  and 
McLeod  were  appointed  Superintendents  of  the  Seminary 


THE  CHUECn  raCEEASING.  89 

and  ordered  to  meet  in  Philadelphia,  on  the  third  Tuesday 
in  Maj,  1809,  in  order  to  organize  the  Institution,  and  put 
it  into  immediate  operation. 

Meanwhile,  the  E.  P.  Church  was  "  lengthening  her  cords, 
and  strengthening  her  stakes,  and  stretching  forth  the 
curtains  of  her  habitation."  Messrs.  James  "Wilson  and 
Gilbert  McMaster,  formerly  mentioned,  were,  agreeably  to 
appointment,  itinerating  through  the  vacancies  with  much 
acceptance. 

Mr.  McMaster  meanwhile,  was  preaching  with  great 
acceptance  to  our  J^orthern  vacancies.  Several  of  these 
were  anxious  for  his  settlement  among  them.  Preparatory 
for  such  a  result,  Mr.  McLeod  paid  a  visit  to  Wallkill,  in 
the  latter  end  of  May,  1809,  concerning  which  he  writes  as 
follows : — 

New  York,  Jime  \Zth,  ISOS. 

"  Mt  Dear  Sm  :— 

"  Last  night  I  returned  from  Wallkill.  There 
I  spent  two  Sabbaths,  and  moderated  a  call.  It  is  a  unani- 
mous call  for  Mr.  McMaster. 

"  They  support  it  with  the  offer  of  a  stipend  of  $400  per 
annum,  and  a  handsome  parsonage  of  20  acres  in  fine 
improvement. 

"This  is,  in  my  estimation,  a  respectable  offer.  The 
prospect,  in  case  of  a  settlement,  is  certainly  good.  They 
would  unquestionably  increase.  Tidings  from  the  North 
announce  that  a  call,  equally  unanimous,  will  be  heard  from 
Cm-rysbush  (Duanesburgh)  also,  for  Mr.  McMaster.  I  hope 
he  will  accept  one  of  them.     Farewell ! 

"  Alex.  McLeod." 

Shortly  after  the  date  of  this  letter,  the  call  on  Mr. 

7 


90  ME3I0IE   OF   ALEXANDEK   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

McMaster,  as  was  expected  by  Mr.  McLeocl,  was  made  out 
unanimously  by  tlie  United  congregations  of  Duanesbm-gli 
and  Galway.  This  call  was  accepted  by  that  gentleman ; 
and  on  the  9tli  of  Angnst,  1808,  lie  was  solemnly  ordained 
and  installed  as  the  Pastor  of  that  people.  Mr.  McLeod 
preached  the  ordination  sermon.     Ilis  text  was  Jer.  iii.  15. 

"  I  will  give  you  jpastoi's  acG07xUng  to  my  hearty  which  shall 
feed  you  loith  Tcnowleclge  and  understanding.^^ 

The  discourse  was,  at  the  request  of  the  hearers,  published. 
It  is  entitled : — ■ 

"  The  Constitution,  Character,  and  Duties  of  the  Gosjpel 
Ministry:  a  Sermon,  preached  at  the  oi'dination  of  the 
Reverend  Gilbert  McMaster,  hy  Alexander  McLeod,  A.3L, 
Aug.  9,  1808."  Wew  York:  Printed  T)y  J.  Seymour. pp. 
Y2.  8w. 

This  is,  indeed,  an  excellent  discourse.  Tlie  to2:)ic8 
embraced  in  the  discussion  are  natural  and  aj)propriate.  The 
author  was  well  acquainted  with  the  foundation,  superstruc- 
ture, constituents,  and  symmetry  of  the  gospel  ministry.  In 
compiling  his  Ecclesiastical  Catechism,  he  had  in  a  masterly 
manner  investigated  and  digested  this  important  subject. 
He  has  poured  into  this  interesting  sermon,  a  large  portion 
of  tliat  valuable  matter,  prepared  in  the  very  best  manner. 

The  reader,  it  is  presumed,  will  not  object  at  meeting  the 
following  analysis  of  the  plan  of  discussion,  particulars  of 
elucidation  and  argument. 

After  an  appropriate  introduction,  the  author  thus  presents 
the  matter  and  topics  of  discussion  embraced  in  the  subject. 

God  has  pledged  his  veracity  to  provide  a  public  ministry 
for  tlie  service  of  his  church.  "  I  will  give  you  pastors." 
He  has  placed  distinguishing  marks  on  the  ministry  of  which 
He  approves — "Pastors  according  to  my  heart."    The  sum 


SEKMOE"  ON   THE  MINISTEY.  91 

of  ministerial  duty  is  tlie  edification  of  tlie  Chnrcli.  "  Pastors 
■wliicli  sliall  feed  yon  with  knowledge  and  understanding." 
Sucli  is  the  plan  of  the  discourse. 

I.  God  is  engaged  by  covenant  to  provide  a  perpetual 
public  ministry  for  his  church. 

This  proposition  he  establishes  by  showing — ■ 

1.  That  God  has  instituted  such  a  public  stated  ministry 
in  the  Christian  church. 

2.  That  God  has  ordained  that  such  a  public  ministry 
shall  be  continued  in  his  church  unto  the  end  of  the 
world. 

3.  That  God  has  covenanted  with  his  church  to  support 
her  congregations  with  a  public  ministry.  "  And  I  will 
give  you  pastors." 

II.  God  has  set  distinguishing  marks  upon  the  ministry  of 
which  he  approves — •"  Pastors  according  to  my  heart." 
The  distinguishing  marks  which  God  sets  upon  the  ministry, 
are,  a  lawful  call  to  the  office,  and  a  life  corresponding  with 
the  sacred  functions. 

1.  The  pastor  according  to  God's  heart,  has  received  a 
regular  call  to  the  ministry.  The  marks  of  this  are,  (1) 
Ordination.  This  constitutes  the  call  of  God  to  the  ministry 
of  reconciliation  in  the  public  church.  Without  this,  there 
can  be  no  official  authority.  (2)  This  ordination  to  the  holy 
ministry  is  to  be  performed  by  imposition  of  hands.  This  point 
the  author  proves,  1st.  by  the  practice  of  the  Keformation 
Churches.  2d.  By  numerous  scripture  references,  such  as 
1  Tim.  V.  22  ;  1  Tim.  iv.  11 ;  Ileb.  vi.  2  ;  compared  with  Heb. 
V.  11-11 ;  Acts  xiii.  2-3.  (3)  That  ministers  are  ordained 
to  office  by  the  imposition  of  the  hands  of  the  Presbytery. 


92  MEMOIK   OF   ALEXANDER   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

Here  the  author  makes  some  very  appropriate  remarks 
respecting  the  vagum  Tninisterium^  or  vague  Qiiinistry,  with- 
out any  settled  charge — while,  in  certain  cases,  he  admits 
its  expediency.  That  Presbyterian  ordination  constitutes  the 
ordinary  ministerial  call,  he  proves.  (1)  From  the  ministry 
of  the  synagogue  being  imiformly  constituted  in  this  manner. 
Tliis  with  some  few  excejDtions  was  the  model  of  Christian 
churches,  consisting  of  Jewish  and  Gentile  converts.  (2)  In 
the  twelfth  year  from  the  erection  of  the  Christian  chm-ch, 
when  the  Gentiles  were  to  be  converted  and  entirely  to  be 
preserved  from  the  corruption  of  Jewish  ceremonies,  lest  it 
should  be  thought  that  ordination  by  laying  on  of  hands  was 
one  of  their  abolished  ceremonies,  there  was  a  very  solemn 
transaction  at  Antioch,  in  which  a  divinely  apj)ointed  model 
of  it  was  exhibited  in  the  mission  which  God  employed  for 
erecting  the  Gentile  church.  (3)  Three  years  after  this 
mission  was  .completed,  Timothy  received  Presbyterian 
ordination,  in  one  of  those  newly  constituted  Gentile 
churches.  He  was  ordained,  as  Paul  informs  us,  hy  the  laying 
on  of  the  hands  of  the  Presbytery.  (4)  This  mode  of  ordina- 
tion is  proved  and  illustrated  by  the  apostolical  commission, 
Math,  xxviii.  19-20.     "  Go  ye  into  all  the  world  &c." 

In  these  words  the  Head  of  the  church  confers  ministerial 
power  upon  the  Apostles,  and  it  is  perfectly  evident.  (1) 
To  the  ministry  alone,  office  power  is  committed.  (2)  That 
this  power  is  transferable  to  the  end  of  the  world.  (3)  That 
equal  power  is  committed  to  all  the  Apostles.  And  (4)  That 
the  power  is  in  the  fullest  sense,  transferable. 

2.  That  the  pastor  according  to  God's  own  heart,  has  a  life 
and  conversation,  corresponding  to  the  functions  of  his  holy 
office.  This  appears,  (1)  because  a  ministry  evidently 
impious,  will  meet  with  few  advocates.    (2)  He  must  be 


ME.   Mc  MASTER  OEDAINED.  93 

diligent  in  his  sacred  office.  lie  feels  the  value  of  immortal 
souls.  (3)  Tlic  pastor  who  is  near  the  heart  of  God,  is  faith- 
ful to  God  and  to  his  church. 

ni.  The  sum  of  pastoral  duty  is  the  edification  of  the 
church.  "  He  will  feed  them  with  wisdom  and  laiowdedge." 
He  will  watch  for  their  souls,  as  one  who  must  give  an 
account.    The  duties  of  the  Gospel  ministry  are  therefore 

1.  To  preach  the  gospel  of  Christ  to  sinners. 

2.  The  pastor  of  whom  God  approves,  is  in  duty  bound, 
from  time  to  time,  to  examine  the  religious  state  of  his 
congregation. 

3.  To  administer  the  sacraments  of  the  JSTew  Testament 
to  the  members  of  his  church. 

4.  To  exercise  authority  over  his  flock. 

The  charge  to  pastor  and  j^eople  was  remarkably  impres- 
sive, and  it  is  hoped,  nay,  believed,  that  it  has  not  been 
forgotten  by  either. 

Through  the  whole  of  this  fine  semion,  compared  with  the 
first  one  he  published,  the  reader  will  perceive  an  improve- 
ment in  the  style ;  a  superior  elegance  of  expression ;  a  more 
polished  rotundity  of  period — all  the  natm-al  result  of  "  a 
more  liberal  use  of  his  pen." 

On  the  fifteenth  of  September  following,  the  intelligence 
of  the  above  transactions  was  communicated  by  Mr,  McLeod 
in  the  following  words  :■ — • 

"Mr.  McMaster  is  ordained  and  settled  pastor,  in  the 
united  congregations  of  Galway  and  Duanesburg,  with  a 
salary  of  £250  per  annumj  and  a  house  and  parsonage." 
The  piety,  talents,  dignity  of  character,  zeal  and  industry  of 
this  gentleman  were  evidently  blessed  by  his  Heavenly  Father, 


94  MEMOIR   OF   ALEXAXDEE   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

with  si^eedj  and  abundant  fruits.  lie  soon  became  two 
bands.  Eacli  congregation  of  itself  was  shortly  able  to  take 
the  whole  time  and  labors  of  a  minister. 

Dr.  McLeod — for  about  this  time  the  degree  of  Dr.  of 
Divinity  was  confeiTed  upon  him  by  the  College  of  Middle- 
bury,  Vermont — ^in  the  meantime  was  laboring  with  remark- 
able diligence  and  assiduity,  in  his  ministerial  vocation. 
He  still  continued  to  officiate  three  times  each  sabbath. 
His  preparation  for  the  pulpit  was  most  substantial  and 
solid  :  but,  as  was  observed  before,  it  possessed  much  more 
of  the  mental,  than  the  manual ;  for  he  never  wi'ote  out  or 
committed  his  discourses  for  the  pulpit.  He  studied  them 
thoroughly,  and  digested  the  matter  into  analytical  skeletons. 
Every  topic  of  discussion,  in  all  its  bearings,  and  in  all  its 
authorities,  was  made  quite  familiar  to  him  by  study  and 
reflection.  He  was  a  theological  metaphysician,  and  his 
analysis  of  the  human  mind,  making  him  better  acquainted 
with  the  springs  of  action  in  the  sinner's  heart,  rendered  his 
sermonizing  more  searching  and  experimental.  He  ferreted 
corruptions  through  the  sinuosities  of  inward  depravity,  and 
often  dislodged  them  from  their  lurking-places.  On  sabbath 
evenings,  particularly,  he  had  always  crowded  audiences. 
The  intellectual  were  pleased  with  his  reasonings,  and  the 
godly,  with  his  practical,  and  heart-searching  applica- 
tion of  evangelical  truth.  He  was  a  champion  of  Ortho- 
doxy, one  of  those  noble  spirits,  who,  in  the  beginning  of 
the  eighteenth  century,  adorned  the  city  of  New  York. 
They  were  an  honor  to  their  country. 

The  Christian  Magazine,  a  periodical  edited  by  Dr.  Mason, 
"  a  man  of  a  bushel  of  brains,"  received  very  large  contribu- 
tions from  Dr.  McLeod's  literary  labors.  The  essays  on  the 
atonement,  which  appeared  in  that  publication,  are  all  from 


DOCTOEATE   CONTEKKED.  95 

his  pen.  They  present  tliat  vitally  important  doctrine  of 
our  lioly  religion,  in  a  rational  and  scriptural  light.  In  those 
essays,  he  has  shown,  most  satisfactorily,  how  God  could  be 
just,  and  yet  justify  the  ungodly,  through  faith  in  Christ 
Jesus.  They  are  six  in  number.  In  the  fikst,  the  Doctor 
ascertains  and  settles  the  proper  meaning  of  the  word.  This 
he  does  by  a  critical  examination  of  the  generic^  as  well  as 
the  specific  applications  of  the  Hebrew  word  "^33  to  cover^ 
and  the  Greek  KaraXXayi],  cliancje  from  enmity  to  friendship, 
reconciliation  y  and  lXao-i]piov,\h.Qpro2)itiatory^  or  mercy  seat, 
all  pointing  to  the  same  thing — satisfaction,  reconciliation,  or 
redonption.  In  the  secoxd,  the  author  proceeds  to  show, 
that  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  made  such  an  atonement  for  om* 
sins,  one  that  satisfied  Justice,  and  made  reconciliation  for 
iniquity,  and  obtained  eternal  redemption  for  us.  He 
establishes  this  by  proving,  (1)  That  the  Lord  Jesus  hare  our 
sin,  1  Peter,  ii.  24.  (2)  He  suflered  punishment  in  om- 
stead,  1  Peter,  iii.  18.  (3)  He  offered  a  sacrifice  in  our 
behalf  to  procm-e  reconciliation  for  us.  (4)  This  satis- 
faction is  acknowledged  in  Heaven  to  be  complete,  Eph. 
iv.  32.  (5)  Keconciliation  is  established  on  the  footing  of 
this  satisfaction,  Rom.  v.  10. 

In  the  THiED  essay,  he  proceeds  to  show  the  necessity  of 
it.  (1)  The  scriptures  rejDresent  the  sufferings  of  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ  to  have  been  necessary.  Ought  not  Christ  &c.  ? 
(2)  The  salvation  of  a  sinner  without  the  full  punishment  of 
his  sin  is  impossible.  (3)  The  election  of  grace  renders  a 
vicarious  satisfaction  hypothetically  necessary. 

In  the.FOiTRTn,  he  inquires  into  the  extent  of  it.  About 
this  there  are  four  possible  answers  to  as. many  possible 
questions,  suggested  by  Dr.  Owen,  in  his  "  Death  of  Death, 
in  the  death  of  Christ." 


96         MEMOm  OF  ALEXANDER  MCLEOD,  D.D. 

1.  Did  the  Kedeemer  die  for  all  tlie  sins  of  all  wliom  he 
proposed  to  save  ?  or, 

2.  For  some  sins  of  all  men  ?  or, 

3.  For  all  the  sins  of  all  men  ?  or, 

4.  For  sins  indefinitely,  without  reference  to  the  parti- 
cular sins  of  any  individual  ? 

Tlie  fii'st  of  these  he  proves  from  the  unity  of  the  Divine 
purposes.  (2)  Its  being  co-extensive  with  election.  (3)  Tlie 
covenant  of  grace  confines  it  to  the  Elect.  In  the  ffth 
essay  he  proceeds  to  a  fourth  proof — ^the  uniform  tenor  of 
scripture  assertion.  He  specifies  a  few  texts.  John  x. 
15,  26,  28,  29.  He  then  classifies  the  texts  under 
six  different  heads,  and  makes  a  very  numerous  and 
appropriate  collection.  In  the  sixth,  having  established  the 
first  point,  that  Christ  atoned  for  all  the  sins  of  all  the  elect, 
the  second,  viz.  He  atoned  for  some  sins  of  all  men,  is 
easily  set  aside ;  for  then,  all  men  have  some  sins  to  answer 
for,  and  so  no  man  shall  be  saved.  Ps.  cxxx-3.  "  If  the  Lord 
should  mark  iniquity,  who  shall  stand  ?"  Ps.  cxliii.  2.  "  iN'one 
shall  be  justified  in  his  sight."  Moreover,  if  the  debt  was 
infinite,  partial  liquidations  could  make  no  diminution. 
Such  a  debt  cannot  be  extinguished  by  installments.  It 
must  be  paid  in  lump ;  because  finite  deductions  from 
infinite  quantities  will  leave  an  infinite  remainder.  In  like 
manner,  the  third  position,  that  he  died  for  all  the  sins  of 
all  men.  Why  then  are  not  all  saved  ?  will  it  be  said,  "  it  is 
because  of  their  unbelief"  But  their  unbelief  is  either  a 
sin,  or  it  is  not.  If  not,  why  are  they  punished  for  it  ?  K 
it  is  a  sin,  then,  if  Christ  atoned  for  all  their  sins, — as  by  the 
supposition  he  did,  he  atoned  for  this  among  the  rest.  If 
not,  then  he  did  not  die  for  all  their  sins.  These  gentlemen 
may  make  their  choice  in  this  dilemma. 


ESSAYS    ON   THE   ATONEMENT.  97 

He  tlien  proceeds  to  the  fourth  position,  viz.  That  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ  suffered  for  sins  indefinitely,  irrespective  of 
any  sins  of  any  individual.  Tliis  point  has  been  considerably 
mystified  by  the  vagueness  of  the  phraseology  employed  by 
the  leaders  of  the  various  classes  of  errorists  who  have 
adopted  it.  It  is  common  to  Arminians,  Hopkinsians  and 
Universalists.  ISTa}',  was  embraced  by  a  sect  of  Presbyte- 
rians, in  Scotland,  in  the  last  century,  denominated  Sallites, 
who  have  long  since  become  extinct.  On  these,  and  other 
accounts,  it  merits  particular  attention.  Here  follows  a 
brief  compend  of  the  argument. 

Classis  argumentorwn,  or  class  of  arguments  employed  in 
support  of  an  indefinite  atonement. 

I.  It  reconciles  the  exercise  of  grace,  with  the  exercise  ot 
justice,  in  the  salvation  of  sinners.  If,  for  example,  the  sins 
of  A  he  atoned  for^  there  is  no  grace  in  his  pardon.  But 
by  indefinite  atonement,  the  difficulty  vanishes.  Justice  is 
threefold,  commutative^  distributive  imd2MUic.  Commuta- 
tive has  no  concern  in  the  case.  Pidjlic  Justice  is  satisfied 
by  God's  display  of  his  displeasure  at  sin  in  general^  in 
Christ's  sufferings.  The  exercise  of  distributive  justice  is 
set  aside  entirely,  in  grace.  The  sinner  is  pardoned  at  the 
expense  of  distributive  justice. 

OBJECTIONS  TO  THIS  AEGIJMENT. 

1.  The  divine  attributes  are,  in  God,  one  and  indivisible. 
This  division  is  incorrect.  In  all  these  modes  of  exercising 
Justice,  the-  principle  is  the  same.  It  is,  and  may  be, 
exercised  variously  on  various  objects.  The  scriptures 
know  nothing  about  these  three  distinct  attributes  of  divine 
iustice. 


98  MEMOIR  OF  ALEXANDER  MCLEOD,   D.D. 

2.  The  use  made  of  tliis  division  is  objectionable.  Tliere 
can  be  no  good  reason  assigned  for  discarding  commutative 
justice  from  having  a  share  in  the  sinner's  pardon,  more 
than  distributive  justice,  as  distinct  from  jniblic.  Pardon 
of  sin,  certainly,  comes  as  near  the  forgiveness  of  debt — 
commutative  in  its  nature — as  the  remission  of  a  jyersonal 
offence^  ranked  -with  the  distributive,  which  has  no  reference 
to  the  divine  authority.  God,  moreover,  deals  with  men  on 
the  footing  of  a  previously  existing  compact,  but  never  on 
the  footing  of  mere  private  relation,  irrespective  of  his 
authority.  lie  has  commanded  us  to  pray :  "  Forgive  us 
our  debts,  as  we  forgive  our  debtors."  But  never  to  say, 
''  Pardon  our  private  offences,  Avliich  are  no  transgressions 
of  thy  law.  God  cannot  exercise  distributive  justice 
sej^arate  from  public  authority.  God  not  only  may,  but  of 
necessity  must  be  just. 

3.  This  argument  multiplies  instead  of  solving  difficulties. 
(1)  It  makes  God  unjust  in  dispensing  with  distributive 
justice — which  is  absurd  and  impious.  (2)  Suffering  for 
sin  in  general^  or  sin  in  the  abstract,  is  suffering  for  a  mere 
abstraction — a  nonentity.  Sin,  in  this  point  of  view,  is  like 
a  mere  algebraic  character,  a?,  ?/,  or  z.  This  word  sin,  repre- 
sents the  transgressions  of  angels,  as  well  as  of  men.  Then 
the  devils  have  as  much  interest  in  the  atonement,  as  elect 
sinners  !  (3)  V-^on  this  hypothesis  Christ  died  in  vain,  for 
God's  displeasure  at  sin  will  be  sufficiently  exhibited  in  heU 
to  all  eternity. 

4.  It  begs  the  question,  or  rather  takes  for  granted 
what  does  not  exist.  That  the  satisfaction  of  justice  in  the 
pardon  of  the  sinner,  excludes  the  exercise  of  grace.  This 
is  not  so.  God,  in  grace,  devised  the  plan — in  grace  he 
accepted  the  sm-ety. 


OBJECTIONS  ANSWERED.  99 

n.  Ai-giiment  in  defence  of  indefinite  atonement.  Tliis 
doctrine  alone  lavs  the  foundation  on  wliicli  an  indefinite 
o-ospel  ofter  can  be  made.  The  definite  atonement  would 
imply  insincerity. 

"Well,  supposing  this  to  be  the  case,  at  whose  door  does  it 
lie  ?  yot  at  the  preacher's.  lie  knows  not  whether  the  sin- 
ner wiU  believe  or  not.  He  obeys  his  orders,  does  his  duty. 
The  insincerity  then,  if  any  there  be,  must  lie  to  a  liigher 
account.  But  is  the  difficulty  lessened  by  the  adoption  of 
the  system  of  indefinitism  ?  So  fai-  fi'om  this,  it  compromits 
Predestination,  Divine  Omniscience  and  Truth.  But  after 
all,  there  is  no  difficulty  in  this  point.  We  are  requii-ed  to 
believe  nothing  but  what  is  an  absolute  tiiith — that  Chiist 
died  for  sinners ;  and  are  commanded  to  do  nothing  but 
what  is  their  bounden  duty,  viz.,  Believe  on  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ ;  and  in  so  doing,  it  is  graciously  declared, 
they  shall  be  saved. 

TTT.  This  indefinitism  reconciles  the  scripture  account 
of  the  univei-sality  of  the  atonement  with  the  fact  that 
many  shall  perish  for  ever.  The  infinite  value  of  the 
Eedeemer's  blood,  moreover,  appears  fi-om  its  -being  equally 
sufficient  for  the  salvation  of  all  men. 

How  strange  to  talk  so  much  about  the  value  of  that 
blood,  which  by  the  hypothesis,  secures  salvation  for  none  ! 
Xor  does  it  mend  the  matter  to  say,  that  the  infinite  value 
is  in  the  abstract.  It  has  no  value  at  all,  abstract  from 
covenant  stipulation.  It  must  be  the  blood  of  the  covenant, 
in  order  to  have  any  value  for  the  pm-pose  of  salvation. 
Pain,  death,  and  blood,  of  themselves,  have  no  value.  Let 
it  cease  to  be  covenant  blood,  and  its  use  and  value  must 
also  cease. 


100         MEMOIR  OF  ALEXAXDEB  MCLEOD,  D.D. 

The  terms  of  universality  are  easily  exj)lained.  Ko 
Christian  admits  that  every  individual  on  earth  is  regene- 
rated and  saved.  Yet  Christ  died  for  all.  In  Chi-ist  all 
shall  be  made  alive.  These  imiversals  are  co-extensive. 
They  embrace  every  individual  in  the  new  creation,  formed 
by  the  covenant  of  which  the  death  of  Christ  is  the]  con- 
dition. 

Having  examined  these  premises,  he  deduces  from  them 
the  following  conclusions. 

1.  This  system,  clothing  with  a  drapery  of  language 
unintelligible,  doctrines  definitely  expressed,  and  clearly 
understood  by  the  Keformation  churches,  is  of  injurious 
tendency. 

2.  This  use  of  the  atonement  is  inconsistent  with  the 
scriptural  meaning  of  reconciliation,  it  being  never  indefi- 
nitely applied  in  a  single  instance. 

3.  It  does  violence  to  the  English  language.  Atonement 
implies  satisfaction,  which  is  utterly  incompatible  with  the 
idea  of  punishing  an  ofi^ence  for  which  satisfaction  has  been 
previously  given.  This  would  be  the  most  flagrant  injus- 
tice. An  atonement  which  does  not  render  subsequent 
punishment  unjustifiable,  is  no  atonement  at  all. 

Mr.  "Wylie,  who,  on  his  retm-n  fi-om  Europe,  had  been 
settled  for  two  years  in  the  united  societies  of  Philadelphia 
and  Baltimore,  on  the  express  stipulation  that  at  the  expi- 
ration of  these,  he  might  choose  either,  or  relinquish  both, 
without  further  Presbyterial  interference,  had  chosen  the 
former. 

The  society  was  small  in  numbers,  and  feeble  in  pecuniary 
resources.  But  though  very  far  from  being  in  afiluent 
circumstances,  they  were  zealous,  spirited,   and  ardent  in 


CHUKCn  IN  rniLADELPHIA.  101 

their  attachment  to  Kefonnation  principles.  They  consisted 
chiefly  of  emigrants  from  Ireland,  who  having  been  ha- 
rassed greatly  with  the  insurrectionary  troubles  which 
agitated  that  unhappy  land  in  1797  and  '8,  had  exiled  them- 
selves from  their  native  country.  The  prominent  man 
among  them  was  a  Mr.  Thomas  Thompson,  from  Saintfield, 
county  Down,  who  had  arrived  in  Philadelphia  some  years  / 
before.  This  man  and  his  wife  Priscilla,  though  in  humble 
circumstances,  were  an  honor  to  human  natm-e.  They  were 
of  the  precious  "hidden  ones"  of  the  earth,  and  their 
memories  are  embalmed  in  the  recollections  of  every 
Christian  who  had  the  pleasure  of  their  acquaintance,  or  an 
opportimity  of  knowing  their  worth.  In  a  small  room  of 
theirs,  in  their  residence  at  the  corner  of  South  and  Penn 
streets,  all  the  members  of  the  Eeformed  Presbyterian 
Church  in  Philadelphia  met,  for  years,  without  being 
crowded.  Tliis  was  literally,  "the  church  in  his  house." 
This  small  tribute  of  respect  is  paid  to  their  memory  by  one 
who  knew  them  well. 

Tliis  same  Tliomas  Thompson  and  his  wife,  were  the 
nucleus  of  the  Eeformed  Presbyterian  Chm-ch  in  Philadel- 
phia. In  the  cii'cumstances  of  this  little  society,  it  was  not 
to  be  expected,  that  they  could  afford  to  their  pastor  an 
adequate  support.  He  was  obliged,  therefore,  to  have 
recourse  to  teaching  in  the  meantime  for  a  subsistence.  The 
labors  of  a  seminary,  of  course,  so  confined  him,  that  he 
was  not  able  to  fm-nish  his  contingent  of  supplies  to  the 
numerous  vacancies  crying  aloud  for  gospel  ordinances.  Mr. 
Gibson's  location  in  Eyegate,  Vermont,  at  the  ISTorthern 
extremity  of  our  connections,  rendered  it  impracticable  for 
him  to  furnish  any  help,  except  incidentally,  when  attending 
the  annual  meetings  of  the  judicatories.     Dr.   McLeod, 


102  MEMOIK  OF  ALEXAIsTDEE  MCLEOD,   D.D. 

tlierefore,  during  several  years,  until  the  number  of  licen- 
tiates increased,  had  been  obliged  to  undergo  the  toil  and 
the  expense  of  furnishing  almost  all  the  supplies  from  the 
Alleghany  Mountains,  to  the  green  hills  of  Vermont.  The 
ordination  of  Eev.  Gilbert  McMaster,  brought  some  relief. 

Dr.  McLeod  was  during  this  period  very  successfully 
engaged  in  cultivating  his  corner  of  the  vineyard.  The  dili- 
gent and  faithful  discharge  of  pastoral  duties,  and  his  dignity 
of  character  and  intellectual  worth,  were  daily  adding  to  his 
respectability.  lie  had  no  subsidiary  aid  in  bringing  him 
forward  to  notice  and  influence,  arising  out  of  an  old,  long- 
established  congregation  of  high  standing  and  affluence.  He 
was  bolstered  up  by  no  adventitious  respectability  of  this 
stamp.  All  was  of  his  own  earning.  He  was  strictly  the 
architect  of  his  own  fortunes. 

The  ministerial  aid  so  long  and  so  much  wanted,  seemed 
now  to  offer  from  various  quarters,  both  foreign  and  domestic. 
Mr.  Kell,  a  native  of  South  Carolina,  who,  in  1801,  had 
crossed  the  Atlantic,  to  finish  in  the  University  of  Glasgow 
an  education  commenced  in  his  native  State,  had  now 
returned  from  Scotland,  as  a  student  of  Theology.  Intelli- 
gence of  his  arrival  was  transmitted  by  Mr.  Donelly  to  the 
Northern  brethren,  with  an  intimation  that  he  designed  to 
attend  the  first  meeting  of  Presbytery,  which  was  to  be  held 
in  May  following. 


SYNOD  CONSTirUTED.  103 


CHAPTER  VII. 

1809. 
The  Constitution  of  Synod. 

On  the  2itli  of  May,  1809,  all  the  ministers  of  the 
Eeformod  Presbyterian  Church  in  America  being  convened 
in  Philadelphia,  with  ruling  elders  from  the  resi^ective 
sessions,  did  unanimously  agree  to  constitute  themselves  into 
a  Synod ;  whereupon,  the  Reverend  William  Gibson,  the 
senior  member,  being  called  to  the  moderator's  chair,  for 
that  purpose,  did  accordingly  constitute  the  Court,  by 
prayer,  in  the  name  and  by  the  authority  of  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  the  alone  King  and  Head  of  the  church. 

The  Court  then  resolved,  that  this  Ecclesiastical  Judica- 
tory shall  be  known,  in  future,  by  the  name  of  the  Sijjiod  of 
the  Beformcd  Presbijtcrlan  Church  m  Amenca.  All  the 
acts  of  the  Reformed  Presbytery,  the  previously  existing 
Court,  were  then  by  Sj^iod  ratified  and  adopted ;  and  the 
tJiree  committees  of  Presbytery,  were  erected  into  Presby- 
terial  Judicatories,  under  the  inspection  of  Synod ;  to  be 
known  by  the  name  of  the  JS'^orthem,  the  Middle,  and  the 
Soufhcni  Presbyteries  respectively.  The  Reverend  Gilbert 
]\Ic:Master,  was  then  chosen  moderator,  and  Reverend  John 
Black,  Sniod's  stated  clerk. 

It  may  not  be  improper  here  to  observe  that  to  some  it 


104:        MEMOIR  OF  ALEXANDER  MCLEOD,  D.D. 

may  seem  strange,  that  a  narrative  purporting  to  be  a 
Ilemoir  of  the  late  lamented  Doctor  McLeod,  should  be  so 
often  retarded,  interrupted,  and  even  loaded  with  the 
Ecclesiastical  concerns  of  the  Eeformed  Presbyterian 
Church  in  I^Torth  America.  If  the  writer  of  this  memoir 
or  biogi'aphical  sketch  had  believed  that  such  a  commin- 
glement  of  description  would  distort  the  features,  or  mar  the 
moral  proportions  of  the  portrait  of  a  most  valued  friend ;  or 
had  he  thought  it  possible  to  furnish  a  just  delineation  of 
Dr.  McLeod's  character  without  this  amalgamation  of  inci- 
dents, most  assuredly  they  never  would  have  been  blended 
together.  But  knowing,  as  the  writer  does,  that  for  more 
than  thirty  years,  the  heart,  the  soul,  the  activities,  the  sighs, 
and  the  prayers  of  that  champion  for  truth,  were  all  put  in 
requisition,  and  unsparingly  employed  in  promoting  the  honor 
of  his  Master  and  the  interests  of  Zion,  he  found  the  biography 
of  the  one,  and  the  leading  features  of  the  history  of  the 
other  to  be  inseparable.  jSTeither  is  it  believed  that  this 
intimacy  of  connection  between  Dr.  McLeod's  history  and 
that  of  our  section  of  Zion,  detracts  anything  from,  but 
rather  adds  to,  the  lustre  of  his  moral  worth.  Indeed,  in 
his  case,  the  remark  put  into  the  mouth  of  his  hero,  by  the 
prince  of  Roman  poets, 

Et  quorum  magna  pars  fui — 

may  be  justly  applied  to  our  departed  friend. 

Dr.  McLeod  enjoyed  the  confidence  of  his  brethren  in  the 
ministry  in  a  very  high  degree.  His  integrity,  his  piety, 
his  honor  and  devotion  to  the  interests  of  the  church  were 
never  doubted.  All  our  religious  connection,  whether  at 
home  or  abroad,  reposed  equal  confidence  in  him.  His 
demeanor  was  dignified ;  yet  always  blended  with  suavity 


SEL]^CONTKOL.  105 

of  manner,  and.  a  most  "winning  condescension  to  those  in 
the  humblest  condition  in  life.  He  could  be  familiar  with 
those  of  low  estate  without  compromising  that  elevation  of 
character  for  which  he  was  uniformly  distinguished.  Ilis 
passions  were  naturally  strong  and  impetuous,  but  they  were 
so  chastened  and  trained  by  a  course  of  moral  discipline, 
that  they  promptly  obeyed  the  requisitions  of  Christian 
moderation.  The  writer,  in  his  own  house  in  Philadelphia, 
had  once  a  painful  opportunity  of  witnessing  the  Doctor's 
self-government  and  control  over  his  strong  and  vehement 
feelings,  on  a  very  trying  occasion. 

During  the  transaction  of  some  important  Ecclesiastical 
business,  after  the  close  of  the  Synod  above  mentioned,  a 
letter  forwarded  from  home  was  put  into  his  hands.  lie 
knew,  from  the  seal,  that  the  intelligence  was  of  an  unpleas- 
ant character.  He,  nevertheless,  put  it  into  his  pocket,  till 
at  a  convenient  moment  he  could  step  aside  and  examine 
its  contents.  Having  done  so,  he  returned  to  his  place,  and 
attended  to  the  business  before  the  Court  as  if  nothing  had 
happened.  Ko  person  who  was  not  intimately  acquainted 
with  his  character,  could  have  observed  any  difterence  in 
his  looks.  His  intimate  friends  could  notice  a  more  than 
ordinary  solemnity  on  his  countenance.  But  his  manner 
and  pertinency  of  remark  could  not  have  suggested  the 
least  suspicion  of  any  unpleasant  occurrence. 

When  the  meeting  was  over,  the  Doctor  was  eyed  rather 
inquiringly  by  his  anxious  friends.  He  knew  the  meaning 
of  their  looks.  He  communicated  to  them  the  intelligence 
he  had  received. 

A  letter  from  Portugal  had  reached  New  York,  which 
contained  the  distressing  intelligence  of  the  death  of  his 
brother  Donald.     Donald  McLeod  was  a  handsome  youth, 


106  lIEMOm   OF   ALEXANDEE   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

of  lofty  mien  and  noble  bearing.  He  was  of  middle  size, 
fine,  intelligent  conntena'nee,  higb  spirits  and  generous  heart. 
The  writer  knew  liim  personally.  He  bad  emigrated  from 
bis  native  isle  for  tbe  United  States,  and  bad  resided  some 
time  in  'New  York.  He  was  tbe  darling  of  bis  brotber,  tbe 
Doctor.  Tbey  bad  been  playmates.  He  was  younger 
tban  tbe  Doctor.  Tbis  circumstance  bad  endeared  bim  as  a 
protege.  He  fell  in  tbe  Peninsula,  figbting  tbe  Frencb, 
under  General  Moore !  He  fell  on  tbe  field  of  battle,  with- 
out a  friend  to  close  bis  eyes.  Yet,  tbe  Doctor  is  calm — 
resigned  to  tbe  dispensation  of  Heaven.  "  It  is  tbe  will  of 
God,"  is  bis  only  reply  to  bis  sympathizing  friends. 

After  bis  return  to  New  York,  be  addressed  tbe  following 
lines  to  bis  friend  in  Pbiladeljpbia : — ■ 

"  My  Yeky  Deae  Bkothee  : — 

I  am  at  last  compelled  to  resume  my 
correspondence.  Since  I  left  Pbiladelj^bia  I  have  dozed 
away  my  time  in  melancholy  inactivity.  Business  sup- 
ported my  spirits,  and  company  produced  a  constrained 
cheerfulness,  while  I  remained  with  you ;  but,  indeed,  I  was 
very  unfit  for  business  during  tbe  latter  part  of  my  stay  with 
you.  However  just,  my  friend,  we  acknowledge  God's 
providence  to  be;,  yea,  however  kind  and  merciful,  yet  we 
cannot  help  feeling  pain,  and  regretting,  if  not  repining  at 
events.  To  me,  the  loss  of  Donald  was  not  only  the  death 
of  a  brother,  but  the  loss  of  the  only  one  of  a  numerous 
family  whom  I  really  knew.  Tbe  rest  are  to  me  as  if  I  had 
not  known  them,  \lit\i  him  I  was  intimately  acquainted, 
and  be  was  biijisclf  ardently  affectionate.  He  fell  in  the 
midst  of  strangers,  in  tbe  prime  of  life,  and  in  a  bad  cause. 


CONYEKSATIOlSrAl   POWEES.  107 

His  cleatli  continues  to  affect  me.    When  I  am  alone  I  am 
in  low  spirits.     I  also  indulge  solitude."   , 

But,  like  tlie  apostle,  no  occurrence,  no  domestic  afflic- 
tion, could  abstract  liis  attention  long  from  the  concerns  of 
the  Church  of  God,  and  the  promotion  of  her  interests. 
This  is  evinced  in  a  subsequent  part  of  the  same  letter,  in 
which  the  Doctor  goes  on  to  say :  "  I  begin  to  be  uneasy 
for  a  letter  from  Mr.  Black.  Anxiety  for  the  result  of  Mr. 
Kell's  trials,  it  is  natural  I  should  feel :  and  as  the  minutes 
of  the  last  meeting  have  not  been  sent  on  for  publication,  I 
am  afraid  the  public  will  be  again  disappointed  in  printed 
Causes  of  Fasting.  These  are,  I  understand,  to  appear  as  an 
appendix  to  the  minutes.  Pray  inform  me,  in  the  meantime, 
of  the  result  of  Mr.  Kell's  trials.  I  pledge  myself  to  have 
the  Scottish  letter,  and  the  supplementary  address  to  the 
Constitution  of  the  Theological  Seminary,  prepared  for  your 
inspection.  ]^o  time  should  now  be  lost.  "We  should  exert 
cm-selves  during  the  present  prosperous  state  of  the  country. 
I  have  procured  for  you  the  Indian  Bible.  Write  me  on 
receipt,  &c. 

"  Alex.  McLeod." 

In  conversation.  Dr.  McLeod  was  modest  and  unobtrusive. 
He  always  allowed  to  others  their  just  share.  He  was  not 
afraid  lest  nothing  should  be  left  to  him,  on  which  to  display 
his  talents.  He  generally  allowed  all  who  felt  disposed  to 
satisfy  themselves.  Never  concerned,  lest  by  delay  he 
should  lose  the  opportunity,  with  the  most  perfect  ease,  and 
smiling  placidity  of  countenance,  he  would  then,  without 
repeating  anything  already  said,  proceed  with  interesting 
and  original  observations,  as  if  none  had  spoken  before  him. 
Whenever  he  spoke,  all  listened.     His  exhaustless  fund  of 


108  JIEMOrR   OF   ALEXA]SrDEK   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

good  sense,  liis  extensive  acquaintance  witli  almost  every 
topic  occurring  in  conversation,  and  tlie  modesty  inseparal^le 
from  superior  minds,  commanded  unsolicited  attention.  In 
his  social  intercourse  and  convivial  moments,  lie  was  equally 
removed  from  cynical  severity  and  finical  affectation  on  the 
one  hand ;  and  frivolous  levity  and  unpolished  negligence 
on  the  other.  His  dignity  was  native  and  easy ;  his  con- 
descension, unostentatious  and  noble.  His  philanthropy 
embraced  the  fiimily  of  man ;  his  house  was  the  home  of  the 
stranger.  He  could  neither  rail  nor  recriminate.  If  injm'ed 
by  any  one — and  verily  such  things  did  occur — he  was  on 
the  alert  to  find  an  opportunity  of  returning  it  by  some  act 
of  kindness.  He  more  than  once  warmed  into  life  and 
strength  the  adder  that  eagerly  watched  the  opportunity  for 
stinging  him.  Yet,  never  once,  in  an  acquaintance  of  thirty- 
five  years,  did  I  know  him  "  render  evil  for  evil ;"  when 
his  enemy  hungered  he  fed  him ;  and  he  prayed  for  those 
who  despitefully  used  him,  and  persecuted  him.  In  prayer, 
he  was  remarkably  gifted.  I^ever  did  I  listen  to  addresses 
to  the  throne  of  grace,  either  around  the  domestic  altar  or 
in  the  public  cougregaton,  more  simple  or  more  compre- 
hensive. In  prayer,  he  was  particular  and  specific ; 
although  none  was  more  capable  of  generalizing.  He 
felt  what  he  expressed  ;  and  desired  wliat  he  asked  of  his 
Heavenly  Father.  He  never  prayed  by  rote,  nor  allowed 
himself  imperceptibly  to  slide  into  set  forms  of  i^hraseo- 
logy,  which,  after  long  and  frequent  repetitions,  often  cease 
to  have  any  definite  ideas  connected  with  them,  in  the  mind 
of  the  })etitioner.  He  occasionally  had  seasons  of  exquisite 
communion  witli  God  in  prayer,  as  is  evidenced  from  his 
Diary,  already  alluded  to. 

In  sacramental  solemnities,  the  Doctor  had  especial  plea- 


DEVOTIONAL   CHAJIACTEE.  109 

sure.  He  attended  on  all  the  occasions  of  tlie  dispensation 
of  the  Lord's  Supper,  that  were  within  his  reach,  that  he 
might  enjoy  communion  with  the  Kedeemer  in  the  commem- 
oration of  his  death  ;  and  with  his  brethren  in  this  eucharistic 
festivity.  For  a  number  of  years  after  his  settlement  in  the 
city  of  Kew  York,  he  and  Mr.  Wylie  of  Philadelphia  recip- 
rocated their  ministerial  services  on  these  solemn  commimion 
seasons.  How  his  soul  beamed  in  his  eye  with  holy  radiance, 
while  he  repeated  these  words  of  the  Saviour,  "  With  desire 
have  I  desired  to  eat  this  passover  with  you."  Tliis  he  could 
say  from  heartfelt  experience.  He  had  been  taken  into  the 
banqueting  house,  and  covered  with  the  banner  of  love.  ISTo 
wonder,  then,  thathe  delighted  in  the  place  where  God's  honor 
dwelt.  His  communion  was  sometimes  elevated  and  raptur- 
ous ;  at  others,  calm,  serene  and  rational.  It  is  believed,  as 
far  as  could  be  learned  from  conversation,  when  the  heart 
was  unbosomed  in  joyous  Christian  fellowship,  that  for  many 
years  he  could  say  with  the  patriarchal  model  of  patience, 
"  I  know  that  my  Kedeemer  livetli."  He  had  made  sure 
of  this,  at  an  early  period  of  life.  He  had  great  and  signal 
service  to  perform  for  his  Master,  and  he  reposed  unshaken 
contidence  in  Him,  that  he  would  never  leave  him,  nor 
forsake  him. 

"With  what  pleasure  did  he  anticipate  his  annual  visits  to 
Philadelx:)hia,  in  the  beginning  of  May,  to  meet  the  Board  of 
Superintendents  of  the  Theological  Seminary  !  With  what 
devotedness  of  spirit  did  he  attend  on  the  exliibitions,  and 
examine  into  the  progress  of  the  attainments  of  the  students  ! 
In  the  intervals  of  supervisional  duties,  he  unbent  his  mind 
in  the  company  of  his  brethren,  and  indulged  in  rational, 
Christian  cheerfulness,  enjoying  "  The  feast  of  reason,  and 
the  flow  of  soul."     On  such  occasions,  the  sociabilities  of  his 


110         MEMOIR  OF  ALEXANDER  MCLEOD,  D.D. 

constitution  were  developed,  witli  nnsuspicioiis  reserve ; 
never,  however,  forgetting  to  "join  trembling  with  his 
mirth."  His  conversation  always  led  to  moral  or  intellectual 
improvement.  'No  matter  what  was  the  subject  of  conver- 
sation, he  was  at  home  on  every  topic. 

The  prospects  of  our  section  of  the  church  of  Christ  began 
to  brighten,  particularly  in  the  States  of  New  York  and 
Penrsylvania.  Earnest  and  urgent  application  for  the  dis- 
pensation of  ordinances,  were  made  by  Baltimore ;  Conoco- 
cheague,  Northumberland  county,  in  Pennsylvania ;  by 
Wallkill,  Albany,- Argyle,  &c.,  in  the  State  of  New  York. 
To  the  west  of  Alleghany  Mountains,  in  Westmoreland, 
Alleghany,  and  Washington  counties ;  Mercer  also  and 
Chenango.  Kentucky,  likewise,  was  yielding  fruits.  In  the 
vicinity  of  Washington,  as  also  of  Lexington,  societies  had 
been  established,  when  Messrs.  McKinney  and  Wylie  had- 
visited  them,  on  their  mission  to  the  Carolinas.  Emigration 
from  South  Carolina  to  the  Northwestern  Territory — now 
the  States  of  Ohio,  Indiana,  and  Illinois,  had  furnished  many 
nuclei  of  future  societies,  which  afterwards  ripened  into  con- 
gregations. While  the  cords  were  thus  lengthening,  the  friends 
of  Reformation  principles  had  the  consolation  to  find  that 
they  were  acquiring  additional  strength.  Love  and  harmony 
universally  prevailed  among  the  ministerial  laborers  in  our 
vineyard.  The  judicatories  of  the  church  were  well  and 
regularly  attended.  The  only  strife  which  then  could  be 
charged  upon  them,  was,  that  they  "  strove  together  for  the 
faith  of  the  gospel." 

Much  good  resulted  to  our  cause  in  the  South,  from  a  visit 
made  by  Mr.  Black  by  synodical  appointment,  having  for 
its  object  the  adjustment  of  some  difficulties  which  had 
unhappily  arisen  in  South  Carolina.     Mr.  Black  traversed 


MK  black's   visit  TO  CAHOLINA.  Ill 

Kentucky,  oiiliis  way  to  tlie  Soiitli ;  and  visited  and  refreshed 
many  of  tlie  scattered  families  and  societies  wliicli  studded 
the  new  phintations  on  the  distant  "West.  His  visit  was 
peculiarly  grateful  and  cheering  to  the  South  Carolinians. 
Tliere,  in  conjunction  with  the  Eev.  Mr.  Donelly,  he  was 
instrumental  in  adjusting  disorders,  in  reforming  abuses,  in 
comforting,  encouraging,  and  edifying  the  members  of  the 
church,  and  in  reorganizing  the  Southern  Presbytery,  by  the 
ordination  of  Mr.  Kell,  who  was  very  successful  both  in  plant- 
ing and  watering  the  church  in  Tennessee,  Indiana,  and 
Illinois.  The  pleasure  of  the  Lord  was  manifestly  prospering 
in  the  hand  of  Messiah  in  these  Western  wilds,  through  the 
instrumentality  of  these  ministerial  husbandmen. 

But  to  return  to  our  ecclesiastical  concerns  on  the  east  of 
the  Apalachian  Mountains : 

On  the  4th  of  November,  a  letter  received  from  Doctor 
McLeod,  contains  the  following  statement : 

•3^  *  *  *  «■  *  — <ii  liave  no  news  to  give  you  from  the 
North,  South,  or  West.  Some  communications  from  Europe, 
which  require  a  reply  from  me,  have  come  to  hand.  My 
reply  must  involve  principles  of  general  concern  to  the 
whole  church,  and  I  wish  to  have  a  converaation  with  you 
on  the  subject,  before  I  deliver  an  opinion  in  writing.  Tlie 
subject  of  most  importance  is,  the  formation  of  a  new 
covenant  embracing  what  our  predecessors  in  Eeformation 
have  done,  and  applicable  to  the  chm-ches  botli  there  and 
here  ;  together  with  the  opening  a  correspondence  with  the 
remaining  branches  of  the  Heformed  Churches  on  the 
continent  of  Europe.  Remember  I  exj)ect  you  at  Christmas, 
and  we  shall  have  time  to  converse  together  freely." 

It  may  not  be  improper  here  to  observe,  that  the  Eefoimed 


112  MEMOIK   OF   ALEXANDER   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

Presbyterian  Cliurcli,  is  often  designated  tlie  Covenanting 
Clinrcli ;  and  lier  members,  Covenanters.  Tliis  ap^Dellation 
sbe  bas  never  considered  as  a  disgraceful  misnomer:  yet 
tbis  really  is  not  ber  name ;  neitber  is  it  sufficiently  distinc- 
tive. Tbe  Secession  CImrcb,  botb  in  Scotland  and  Ireland, 
claim  to  be  Covenanters.  Tbe  reason  wby  tbis  designation 
is  applied  to  tbe  Reformed  Presbyterian  Cbm-cb,  is,  ber 
adberence  to  tbe  doctrine  of  covenanting  as  exemplified  in 
tbe  Britisb  Bonds  in  tbe  former  part  of  tbe  sevententb 
centnry. 

Tbe  form  of  tbese  Bonds  presented  as  tbey  are  in  tbe  old 
Britisb  garb,  mnst  appear  to  mere  strangers  of  modern  times, 
ratber  awkward  and  forbidding  in  aspect.  Bnt  stripped  of 
tbis  foreign  drapery,  wbicb  bas  no  essential  connection  with 
tbem,  any  more  tban  tbe  costume  of  any  nation  bas  witb 
tbe  person  of  tbe  individual  tbat  wears  it,  notbing  can  be 
more  plain,  simple,  and  intelligible.  Tbe  spirit  and 
substance  of  tbese  covenants,  may  be  expressed  briefly  tbus 
in  a  single  sentence. 

"  I,  A  B,  do  solemnly  swear,  in  tbe  grace  and  strength 
of  Almighty  God,  tbat  I  shall  endeavor,  conscientiously,  to 
discharge  every  duty  incumbent  on  me  to  God  and  man,  in 
every  relation  of  life  which  I  do  or  may  sustain,  and  in  all 
the  diversified  circumstances  in  which  I  may  be  placed," 
Or  in  still  fewer  words  :  "  I,  IST  L,  do  swear  conscientiously 
to  do  my  duty." 

It  is  the  moral  duties,  therefore,  comprehended  in  these 
Covenants,  and  which  no  localities  can  alter  or  afiect,  which 
constitute  the  real  essential  matter  of  the  bond  of  the  Cove- 
nant.     Tliis  is  what  the  Eefonned  Presbyterian  Church 


COVENA]S^TIISrCT   EXTLAINED.  113 

recognizes  in  tliese  United  States,  and  to  wliicli  she  feels 
liei-self  bound,  most  solemnly,  to  the  performance  of  every 
civil  and  religions  duty. 

Tlie  Reformed  Presbyterian  Clnu'cb  has  always  acknow- 
ledged Covenanting,  as  an  ordinance  of  God,  and  an  eminent 
means  of  grace.  She  finds  it  both  commanded  and  practised 
tinder  the  Old  Testament  dispensation.  "  Yow  and  pay  to 
the  Lord  your  God."  And,  "The  Loed  made  not  this 
Covenant  with  our  fathers  (only)  but  with  us,  even  us,  who 
are  all  of  us  here  alive  this  day."  Tliey  find  it  also  exem- 
plified under  the  IN'ew  Testament.  "  And  this  they  did,  not 
as  hoped  ;  but  first  gave  their  own  selves  to  the  Lord,  and 
unto  us  by  the  will  of  God."  They  think  they  find  this 
ordinance  powerfully  recommended  by  the  hold  it  takes 
npon,  and  its  adaptation  to,  the  moral  nature  and  character 
of  man.  They  think,  moreover,  that  the  miiversal  practice 
of  civil  society  in  making  an  oath,  the  ultima  lex  rerwni — 
finally  decisive  in  litigations,  "  An  oath  for  confirmation 
is  the  end  of  all  strife,"  strongly  illustrates  the  propriety  of 
this  institution.  They  have  been  in  the  habit  of  reasoning 
in  this  manner  upon  this  subject. 

The  man  who  swears  to  tell  the  truth — in  a  court  of 
justice — the  whole  truth  and  nothing  but  the  truth,  is  more 
likely  to  do  so,  than  if  he  had  not  sworn  to  do  so,  by 
Almighty  God.  The  consciousness  of  the  juror  that  he 
feels  the  obligation  more  solemnly,  and  the  universal  consent 
of  mankind  in  the  use  of  an  oath  in  evidence,  clearly 
demonstrate  this  position.  Falsehood  here  would  be  per- 
jury ;  where  there  is  no  oath,  only  a  lie,  which  however 
criminal,  does  not  involve  the  whole  guilt  of  perjury.  By 
parity  of  reasoning,  they  infer,  that  the  religious  Covenanter, 
who  solemnly  sweare  by  Almighty  God,  that  through  his 


114  MEMOm   OF   ALEXANDER  MCLEOD,    D.D. 

grace,  lie  will  conscientiously  perform  liis  duty,  is  more 
likely,  as  far  as  means  are  concerned,  to  live  uprightly,  than 
the  man  who  refuses  to  swear  allegiance  to  the  Eedeemer, 
This  oath,  indeed,  every  Christian,  in  making  a  public  pro- 
fession of  religion,  virtually  swears.  The  Gospel  is  the  l^ew 
Covenant  spoken  of  by  Jeremiah  the  prophet,  and  quoted 
by  Paul  the  apostle.  Every  Christian  embracing  it  becoVnes 
formally  a  Covenanter.  But  the  public  and  formal  renova- 
tion of  this,  is  what  is  distinctly  meant  by  covenanting. 
And  this  application  of  the.  name  to  public  covenanting,  is 
confirmed  and  established  by  the  practice  of  the  Israelites, 
who — ^though  recognized  in  God's  Covenant  by  circumcision 
— also  the  practice  of  the  Macedonians,  who  had  been 
received  into  it  by  Baptism  and  public  profession — yet 
engaged  in  public  social  renovation. 

Covenanters  likewise  maintain  the  doctrine  of  the  trans- 
missioa  of  Covenant  obligation  indefinitely,  from  generation, 
to  generation.  The  rationale  of  this,  they  allege,  is  found 
in  the  moral  nature  of  man,  and  the  corporate  character  of 
society.  They  say,  if  an  individual  binds  himself  to  perform 
a  duty,  his  obligation  will  continue,  until  the  duty,  of  what- 
ever character  it  may  be,  has  been  completely  performed. 
Some  of  these  duties  may  be  discharged  by  one  act,  as  in 
the  case  of  a  promissory  note,  or  the  like ;  others  are  in  their 
very  nature,  inexhaustible,  and  permanent.  Of  this  sort, 
must,  of  course,  be,  the  obligation  of  God's  law,  which 
necessarily  regulates  all  the  relations  of  moral  agents.  The 
individual,  therefore,'  who  binds  himself  by  covenant  to 
God,  to  perform  conscientiously  every  incumbent  duty,  can 
never  be  freed  from  the  obligation,  so  long  as  he  lives.  Kot 
that  he  will  ever  in  eternity  be  absolved  from  the  obliga- 
tion of  God's  law  :  that  must  for  ever  regulate  the  relation 


OBLIGATION   TEANS^HSSIBLE.  115 

between  God,  the  moral  Governor,  and  liis  moral  subject. 
But   covenanting  being  a  Divine  ordinance — a  means  of 
grace  and  holiness,  being  minecessary  in  heaven,  will  cease 
with  the  consummation  of  all  things.     jSTow  they  further 
maintain,  that  as  societies,  of  whatever  kind,  civil  or  eccle- 
siastical, being  corporate  in  their  nature,  are  moral  persons, 
and  are  so  recognized  by  Jehovah,  that  the  legitimate  obli- 
gations of  such  societies  or  corporations  must  continue  until 
all  the  pui-posed  ends  shall  have  been  answered.     Conse- 
quently, the  obligation  of  religious  covenants  is  perpetual. 
It  continues  as  long  as  the  society  or  community  shall  con- 
tinue to  exist.    The  reason  of  the  permanency  of  obligation, 
they  refer  to  the  fact  of  continued  identity.    As  an  indivi- 
dual remains  the  same,  and  is  so  held,  in  all  legal  responsi- 
bilities, although  he  be  changing  every  moment,  and  is  not 
two  moments,  much  less  during  the  course  of  a  long  life, 
physically,  the  same  person,  so  the  corporate  character  of 
any  society,  though  constantly  losing  members  by  death  and 
secession,  and  receiving  fresh  accessions  by  birth  and  inci- 
dental adhesion,  is  still,  through  all  these  unremitting  vicis- 
situdes, legally  and  morally,  the  same  coi-poration.    This 
principle  is  recognized  and  acted  on  in  all  communities.    A 
society  contracts  a  debt.     Li  the  lapse  of  one  hundred  and 
fifty  years,  all  the  members  in  existence  when  the  debt  was 
contracted,  descend  into  the  tomb.     A  generation  entirely 
new  arises.    Tliey  feel  themselves  identified  with  the  age 
that  is  past  and  gone  before  them.     They  assume,  rather 
\hejfeel,  and  recognize  the  debt.     They  consider  it  as  their 
own.     They  never,  even  for  a  moment,  consider  themselves 
absolved  from  obligation  to  pay  because  their  predecessor, 
who  actually  contracted  the  debt,  are  now  no  more.     ISTo ! 
They  consider  it  as  much  their  own,  as  if  they  had,  in 


116         MEMOIR  OF  ALEXANDER  MCLEOD,  D.D. 

person,  contracted  it.  Tlie  violation  of  this  principle  would 
immolate  national  and  social  faith.  The  basest  nation  wonld 
not  dare  to  encounter  the  obloquy  and  reprobation  to  which 
such  conduct  would  necessarily  subject  it.  In  like  manner, 
Reformed  Presbyterians,  who  consider  the  obligation  of  the 
moral  law  to  be  j)erj)etual,  and  believe  that  no  length  of 
time  can  cancel  our  obligation  of  duty  to  God  and  man, 
consider  the  obligations  contracted  by  their  ancestors  in 
covenanting  with  God,  in  Britain  and  Ireland,  "to  conscien- 
tiously discharge  every  incumbent  duty,"  continue  to  bind 
them  as  a  church,  and  will  continue  to  bind  them,  as  long 
as  they  exist,  in  an  ecclesiastical  capacity.  How  simple, 
then,  is  this  duty  !     Such  is  its  rationale. 

TKe  Reformed  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States, 
thus  understood  and  thus  explained  her  principles,  on  the 
article  of  covenanting.  A  principle  occupying  such  a  dis- 
tinguished place  among  the  articles  of  her  credenda,  and 
filling,  in  reference  to  them,  such  a  large  place  in  the  public 
eye,  that  it  grew  into  an  apellative  of  the  denomination, 
should  certainly  be  simplified  in  such  a  manner  as  to 
be  easily  intelligible  to  any  ordinary  capacity.  Doctor 
McLeod  was  capable  of  enucleating  this  principle  out  of  the 
British  shell,  and  stripping  it  of  its  national  costume,  and 
investing  it  with  habiliments  equally  applicable  to  all  lands. 
He  prepared  a  draught  of  a  covenant.  He  retained  the 
principle,  as  founded  in  the  human  constitution,  recognized 
and  enjoined  by  the  Divine  law ;  and  presented  it  in  its 
Evangelical  simplicity.  This  draught  he  read  at  the  next 
meeting  of  Synod,  in  Pittsburg.  The  draught  now  under 
consideration,  as  an  overture  for  the  Three  Synods,  in  Scot- 
land, Ireland,  and  America,  is  nothing  more  than  a  modifi- 
cation of  that  instrument.     This  was  under  consideration  at 


ESrOEEASma  mFLUENOE.  117 

our  last  meeting  of  Synod,  in  1833,  in  Pliiladelpliia,  and 
was  tlien  and  there,  still  further  generalized,  and  dissevered 
from  local  peculiarities,  so  as  to  be  fit  to  be  a  bond  for 
Christians  who  adhere  to  sound  doctrine,  in  -whatever 
country  or  clime  they  may  reside. 

But  to  return  to  the  subject  of  this  memoir.  Dr.  McLeod 
without  adventitious  aid,  by  his  own  moral  and  intellectual 
resources,  was  still  ascending  in  the  scale  of  respectability. 
The  surrounding  congregations  in  the  city  of  'Now  York 
many  of  whose  members  had  an  opportunity  of  hearino-  the 
Doctor's  evening  exhibitions,  began  to  appreciate  more 
justly  and  correctly  his  moral  worth,  and  ministerial  quali- 
fications. They  had  also  an  opportunity  of  knowino-  the 
estimation  in  which  he  was  held  among  his  clerical  brethren 
of  other  denominations,  gome  of  them  became  solicitous 
for  the  enjoyment  of  his  pastoral  services.  In  the  words  of 
another,  "  The  reputation  he  had  so  deservedly  won  by  his 
piety,  talents,  learning,  orthodoxy,  and  industry,  in  his  imme- 
diate pastoral  relation,  attracted  the  notice  of  other  denom- 
inations of  Christians.  In  1812,  the  Reformed  Dutch  con- 
gregation, worshiping  in  Garden  Street,  and  now  under  the 
care  of  Dr.  Mathews,  Chancellor  of  the  University  of  'New 
York,  when  they  became  disconnected  from  their  colleo-iate 
connection  with  the  JS'orth  and  Middle  Churches,  o-ave  Dr. 
McLeod  a  unanimous  call  to  become  their  pastor.  They 
were  so  anxious  to  avail  themselves  of  his  stores  of  learnino-, 
eloquence,  and  sound  doctrine,  that  they  permitted  him  to 
retain  their  call  for  five  weeks,  during  which  period  the 
strongest  solicitations  were  made  by  the  most  respectable 
individuals  in  the  community  to  induce  him  to  become 
their  pastor. 

"  This  call  he  ultimately  declined,  to  the  regret  of  the 


118  ME]MOIE   OF   ALEXANDEE   MCLEOD,    D.D . 

entire  community — his  own  congregation  excej^ted :  and 
thus  sacrificed  his  temporal  interests,  and  retired  from  an 
extensive  field  of  usefulness  and  honor,  to  maintain  con- 
sistency of  principle." 

Amidst  these  transactions  and  solid  honoi-s  clustering 
around  this  great  and  good  man,  a  letter  was  received  from 
him,  dated — ■ 

New  York,  June  1st,  1812. 

"I  have  had  a  busy  time  since  I  saw  you.  *  *  * 
After  our  sacrament,  we  set  off  for  "Wallkill,  took  Mr.  Milli- 
gan's  trials,  and  ordained  and  installed  him  among  the 
Wallkillians,  after  an  admirable  sermon  from  Mr.  McMaster. 
His  text  was  from  2  Cor.  v.  20.  This  man  grows  rapidly 
as  a  Divine  of  discrimination,  and  a  judicious  sermonizer. 
Every  one  in  New  York  and  Wallkill  admires  him. 

"  Friday  last  I  returned  home.  During  my  absence,  the 
affair  of  the  Dutch  Church  was  brought  to  a  point.  They 
took  the  vote  by  ballot;  nine  were  scattering.  The  rest 
were  for  me,  and  the  minority  unknown.  The  call  is  ulti- 
mately unanimous.  This  morning,  at  nine  o'clock,  the 
Elders  and  Deacons  called  on  me,  and  delivered  me  the 
call,  which  contains  the  bond  for  maintenance.  It  is  now 
in  my  possession.  I  could  not  prevail  on  myself  to  reject 
it  without  a  conference  with  the  leading  men.  And  yet,  I 
fear  the  consequences  of  hesitation  to  my  own  character.  I 
wish  you  were  within  my  reach,"  &c. 

"  Yours,  &c., 

"Alex.  McLeod." 

The  respectability  of  the  Dutch  Church  in  the  State  of 
New  York ;  the  character,  for  piety  and  orthodoxy  of  her 


CALL  TO  REFORMED  DUTCH  CHURCH.  119 

ministry ;  the  high  rank  and  standing  of  the  congregation 
in  Garden  Street ;  the  nnanimity  of  the  call ;  the  prospect 
of  a  much  wider  range  of  influence  and  field  of  useful- 
ness, to  say  nothing  of  the  easy  circumstances  into  which 
the  ample  means  of  maintenance  would  immediately  have 
transferred  him,  all  fonned  a  powerful  inducement  for 
accepting  the  call ;  and  clearly  prove  the  imcompromising 
adherence  to  principle  and  consistency,  which  issued  in  its 
rejection.  This  consideration  will  be  greatly  enhanced, 
when  it  is  ascertained  that  the  Doctor  was  intimately 
acquainted  with,  and  warmly  attached  to  that  congregation. 
Judge  what  must  have  been  his  feelings,  when  returnino- 
their  affectionate  and  respectful  call.  Hear  his  own  words, 
as  expressed  to  his  friend. 

Ne-w  York,  liUi,  July,  1S12. 

*  *  *        "Last   week  I  had  to  under^-o  a 

trial  of  feeling.  In  giving  the  reply  to  Elders  and  Deacons 
of  the  church  in  Garden  Street,  their  solemn  and  imfeitmed 
grief  affected  me.  The  deed  is  done,  and  my  answer  in 
writing  accompanied  the  call  which  I  returned.  I  hope  no 
one  has  taken  offence.  Tliey  will  not  publish  my  reply, 
until  I  shall  have  departed  from  the  city." 

The  following  is  a  copy  of  the  reply. 

DK.  Mcleod  to  the  reformed  dutcu  churcii. 

"  To  the  Reformed  Dutch  Church  in  Garden  Street,  loith 
the  Elders  and  Deacons,  Grace  he  unto  yon  and  Peace 
from  God  our  Father,  and  from,  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

"  In  returning  to  you  the  call  which  yon  have  presented 
to  me,  I  make  a  sacrifice  of  feeling  more  painful  to  me  than 


120  MEMOIR   OF   ALEXANDER  MCLEOD,    D.D. 

the  accompanying  sacrifice  of  interest.  Anxions  to  serve  my 
Kedeemer,  witli  a  pure  conscience,  in  the  ministry  of  grace 
which  he  has  committed  to  me,  I  have  ever  confided 
entirely  to  Ilim  to  make  for  me,  in  his  providence,  the 
worldly  provision  which  to  himself  appears  proper :  and  I 
trnst  I  have  learned  both  how  to  abonnd  and  how  to  suffer 
want ;  and  in  whatever  state  I  am,  therewith  to  he  content. 
The  great  personal  respect,  however,  Avhich  I  cherish  for 
you  all,  and  my  Christian  affection  for  those  of  you  who 
have  favored  me  with  the  greater  intimacy  ;  and  especially 
the  more  extensive  field  of  public  usefulness,  which  your  call 
appeared  to  open  before  me,  are  motives  which  I  find  it 
painful  to  resist." 

"  Upon  due  deliberation,  I  feel  myself,  nevertheless,  con- 
strained, in  duty,  to  return  your  call,  I  accordingly  take 
the  earliest  opportunity  of  intimating  to  you  my  resolution. 
Having  after  the  necessary  inquiries,  made  up  my  mind,  I 
deem  it  unnecessary  to  await  the  meeting  of  om-  judicatories, 
in  order  to  retmii  to  you  my  answer.  Such  meetings 
could  not  alter  the  ultimate  event.  Further  delay  might 
prove  prejudicial  to  your  interest." 

"  It  now  becomes  me,  with  proper  respect,  to  assign  my 
reasons.  And  I  discharge  this  duty  with  tlie  frankness  of  a 
Christian.  1.  Upon  an  impartial  review  of  the  state  of  the 
church  of  God,  in  America,  I  see  no  prospect  of  such  a 
Eeformation  as  would  speedily  unite  the  Evangelical 
churches  upon  one  grand  liberal  system  of  uniformity  in 
Doctrine,  Worship,  Discipline  and  Government ;  rejecting, 
entirely,  those  parts  from  their  standards  on  which  it  is  not 
necessary  to  insist  as  terms  of  Ecclesiastical  Union :  and  I 
would  not  relincpiish  my  own  present  standing,  without  a 
well  founded  expectation  of  being  able  more  effectually  to 


L0^T3   TO   ZION.  121 

promote  tliis  great  object.  "  If  I  forget  tliee,  O  Jerusalem, 
let  my  riglit  luind  forget  lier  cmmiiig."  2.  Tlie  state  of 
religion  in  the  Dutcli  clmrcli,  generally,  is  sncli,  tliat 
— altlioiigli  I  miglit'^calcnlate  on  mucli  comfort  among  my 
immediate  connections  in  this  city — I  fear  I  could  not,  con- 
sistently with  my  views  of  duty,  avoid  becoming  involved 
in  contendings  for  which  I  feel  neither  disposition  nor 
capacity.  I  should  feel  it  my  duty  to  strive  for  the  restora- 
tion of  practical  religion  throughout  the  churches  connected 
with  the  judicatories  of  which  I  became  a  member ;  and 
this  would  expose  me  to  peculiar  troubles.  3.  Tlie 
subscription  which  classes  demand  on  admission  into  the 
ministry  of  the  Dutch  church  I  cannot,  consistently  with 
correct  moral  princij^les,  consent  to  make,  without  such 
explanations  as  would,  in  fact,  destroy  the  design  of  sub- 
scription entirely,  and  which,  therefore,  I  would  think  it 
indelicate  to  propose  to  classis. 

"  I  consider  these  subscriptions  as  inconsistent  in  one 
part  with  another,  and  in  some  things  contradicting  my 
Presbyterian  principles.  I  readily  admit  that  these  differ- 
ences respect  minor  points,  and  admit  an  easy  remedy ;  but 
I  know  that  it  is  not  uncommon  to  subscribe  such  instru- 
ments, with  reservations  and  explanations,  which  aifect  the 
most  important  doctrines,  while  the  difference  is  said  to  affect 
things  of  minor  imiDortance,  and  I  do  not  wish,  by  my 
example,  to  give  any  countenance  to  such  a  practice.  In 
things  pertaining  to  God,  more  even  than  in  our  common 
dealing,  we  ought  to  be  explicit,  and  then  every  instrument 
of  writing  would  be  understood,  and  subscribed  in  its 
obvious  meaning.  All  tliose  things  upon  which  it  is  not 
intended  to  insist  for  unanimity  ought  to  be  discarded  from 

ecclesiastical  constitutions. 

9 


122  MEMOIR   OF   ALEXANDER   MCLEOD,   D.D. 

"I  will  not  conclude  this  epistle  without  giving  you  an 
assurance  of  mj  affection  and  esteem,  or  without  expressing 
the  hope  that  the  time,  though  it  is  not  yet,  will  certainly 
come,  when  divisions  shall  cease  and  the  Church  of  God 
shall  be,  in  fact,  one  fold.  Holding  myself  in  readiness 
to  co-operate  with  all  who  prefer  Jerusalem  above  their 
chief  joy,  in  those  measures  which  tend  to  hasten  that 
event,  I  will  not  cease  to  offer  unto  God,  my  prayers 
for  its  approach.  I  also,  dear  brethren,  solicit  an  interest 
in  your  prayers,  both  for  my  person  and  my  ministry. 
Although  we  cannot  now  imite  as  pastor  and  people,  I 
hope  we  shall  meet  together  in  the  presence  of  the  Great 
Shepherd,  and  live  for  ever  in  the  communion  of  the 
church  triumphant. 

"  In  the  meantime,  may  He  who  has  the  hearts  of  all 
flesh  at  his  disposal,  my  God  and  yonr  God,  bestow 
upon  you  a  j^astor  according  to  his  heart,  who  shall  feed 
you  with  knowledge  and  nnderstanding — a  Christian  minis- 
ter who  feels  and  understands  the  gospel,  and  will  prove 
faithful  both  to  God  and  you. 

"Finally,  Brethren,  farewell.  Be  perfect,  be  of  good  com- 
fort, be  of  one  mind,  live  in  peace,  and  the  God  of  love  and 
peace  be  with  you, 

"Your  fellow  servant  in  Christ, 

"Alexander  McLeod." 

New  York,  St7i  July,  1SI2. 

Tliis  manly,  dignified,  and  Christian  docimient,  requires 
no  comment.     It  speaks  for  itself. 

This  seems  to  have  been  a  very  eventful  period  of  Dr. 
McLeod's  life.  On  the  eighth  of  July,  he  returned  the  call 
that  had  been   presented   to  him,  by  the  congregation  of 


w^ 


COLLEGE  OF  NEW  JERSEY.  123 

Garden  Street,  accompanied  "by  the  above  letter;  and 
on  tlie  tliirteentli  of  tlie  next  month,  he  received  a 
unanimous  appointment  to  the  vice-presidency  of  the  Col- 
lege of  ISTew  Jersey,  in  Princeton.  Hear  Dr.  Eowan 
again : —  "  About  the  same  time,  also,  he  received  an  invi- 
tation from  the  trustees  of  Princeton  College,  ISTew  Jersey, 
to  succeed  his  own  materjoal  relative,  Professor  McLean, 
in  the  Mathematical  chair,  and  as  Yice-president.  Tins 
appointment  was  made  with  a  distinct  understanding  that  he 
should  occupy  the  office  of  President,  since  so  ably  filled 
by  Di-s.  Green  and  Carnahan,  and  thus  become  the  suc- 
cessor of  Witherspoon,  Burr,   Edw\ards,  and  Smith." 

Here  follows  an  extract  from  the  minutes  of  the  Board, 
relative  to  this  appointment. 

mVITATION   TO   miNCETON   COLLEGE. 

"At  a  meeting  of  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  the  College 
of  New  Jersey,  at  Princeton,  August  13th,  1812,  a  record 
was  made  of  which  the  following  is  a  true  copy. 

"  Resolved^ — Tliat  the  salary  of  the  Vice-president  of  the 
College  be  $1,500  per  annum,  together  with  the  use  of 
the  house  and  lot  lately  occupied  by  the  family  of  Profes- 
sor Thompson. 

"The  Board  proceeded  to  the  election  of  a  Yice-presi- 
dent of  the  College,  when  the  Eev.  Alexander  McLeod, 
D.  D.,  w^as  unanimously  elected. 

"  IlesoUed,—ll\'iiX  Dr.  Miller,  Dr.  Eomeyn,  and  Col.  Eut- 
gers,  be  appointed  to  inform  Dr.  McLeod  of  his   appoint- 
ment to  the  office  of  Yice-president,  and  to  take  suchfm-ther 
measures  "in  the  case,  as  circumstances  may  require. 
'("  A  true  copy.)  "  George  S.  Woodhouse, 

"  ClerJc,  pro-tcm2)orey 


124r  ME]\rOIR   OF   ALEXANDEE   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

Here  is  a  gusli  of  lienors.  Laurels  ecclesiastical,  and 
literary,  enwreatli  tlie  brow  of  this  distinguislied  minister 
of  Jesus.  These  honors  were  not  the  result  of  personal 
connections  or  electioneering  intrigue.  'No,  they  Avere  the 
free,  unsolicited,  spontaneous  tribute  to  superior  talents  and 
moral  worth,  given  by  gentlemen  who  knew  well  how  to 
discriminate  character.  They  did  not,  however,  render 
their  subject  vain  or  assuming.  He  puraued  his  even  course 
of  consistency  and  duty. 

The  extract  from  the  Minutes  of  the  Board  above  men- 
tioned, was  presented  to  the  Doctor  on  the  10th  of  Sep- 
tember, 1813,  and  on  the  24th  of  the  same  month  he 
■««iade  the  following  reply. 


DR.    McLEOD'S   llErLY. 

"  The  President  of  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  the  ^College 
of  JS'eio  Jersey. 

"  SiE, — I  take  the  earliest  opportunity  of  announcing  to 
you,  and  through  you,  to  the  Board  of  Trustees,  that  I 
decline  accepting  the  Yice-presidency  of  the  College  of 
Kew  Jersey,  which  you  have  had  the  goodness  to  offer  to 
me,  and  which  your  veiy  respectable  committee  affection- 
ately and  respectfully  urged  me  to  accept. 

"  You  will  permit  me,  sir,  to  tender  my  thanks  to  the 
Board  for  the  offer  they  made  me,  and  the  very  satisfactory 
manner  in  which  their  choice  was  exju'essed ;  as  well  as  to 
express  my  hopes  that  the  College  of  N'ew  Jersey  will 
prove,  under  your  dii-ection,  and  the  Presidency  of  the  dis- 
tinguished character  you  have  elected  to  the  first  office, 
equal  to  the  expectations  of  its  friends,  and  continue  to  be 


UNIVERSITY  ON  STATEN  ISLAND.  125 

a  blessing  to  our  country,  and  to  the  Cliui-cli  of  God — a 
celebrated  seat  of  science  and  literature. 
"  With  great  respect, 

"  Your  very  humble  servant, 

"  Alex.  McLeod." 

In  the  same  discourse  already  mentioned.  Dr.  Kowan  goes 
on  to  say — "  Other  and  similar  offers  were  made  to  him  from 
various  quarters,  which  he  declined.  But  there  was  one 
scheme  unto  which  he  did  lend  an  ear,  originating  with 
and  suggested  by  Vice-president  Tompkins,  viz.,  the  estab- 
lishment of  a  University  on  Staten  Island.  The  plans  were 
matured,  and  arrangements  made  for  application  to  the 
Legislature  of  the  State  to  incorporate  the  Institution,  by 
one  who,  at  that  time,  had  sufficient  interest  and  influence 
to  accomplish  the  object.  At  the  head  of  this  Institution 
was  Dr.  McLeod  to  have  been  placed.  But  the  death  of 
the  Yice-president  put  into  his  lips  the  sentiment — "My 
pm-poses  are  broken  off." 


126  MEMOIR  OF  ALEXAm)EB  MCLEOD,   D.D- 


CHAPTEK   YIII. 

1S12. 

From  the  Meeting^of  Synod,  in  Pittsburg,  until  the  Call  to  the  First  Presby- 
terian Church,  New  York. 

Let  us  now  accompany  tlie  Doctor  to  tlie  third  meeting 
of  Synod,  at  Pittsburg,  12tli  An^nst,  1812.  He  opened 
tliis  meeting  by  a  sermon,  preached  from  John  yi.  41.  "  IsTo 
man  can  come  nnto  me,  except  tlie  Patlier,  ■wbicL.  batb  sent 
me,  draw  liim."  It  is  liere  particularly  to  be  noticed,  that 
this  was  a  full  meeting  of  Synod.  All  the  ministers  belong- 
ing to  the  Pefonned  Presbyterian  Chm-cli  in  America,  were 
present.  On  the  roll  of  Synod,  August  12th,  1812,  are  found 
the  names  of  Eev.  Messrs.  Gibson,  Wylie,  Black,  Donelly, 
McLeod,  and  McMaster,  ministers :  Zaccheus  Wilson, 
Thomas  McClurg,  John  Anderson,  John  Reilly,  John  Gill, 
George  Kirk,  "William  Gormley,  and  David  Love,  ruling 
elders.  After  the  opening,  the  Key.  Messrs.  John  Kell 
and  James  Milligan,  were  introduced  to  Synod  as  ordained 
Ministers,  who  accordingly  took  their  seats  as  members. 
Tlie  reason  of  such  particularity  in  marking  a  full  Synod, 
is,  because  at  this  meeting  resolutions  were  unanimously 
passed,  of  a  very  important  character,  inyolving  deeply  the 
interests  of  the  community.  Tliey  will  be  presented  to  the 
reader  in  the  com*se  of  this  naiTatiye. 


w.yj  OF  1812.  127 

Tlic  thickening  clouds  wliicli  had  been  for  years  gathering 
and  lowering  in  our  political  horizon,  had  become  so  highly 
charged  as  to  explode,  and  pour  their  dangerous  contents 
over  the  country.  Tlie  government  of  Great  Britain  had 
asserted  rights  of  search  of  American  ships,  and  had  com- 
mitted such  aggressions  on  the  commerce  of  the  United 
States,  not  only  on  the  high  seas,  but  within  the  limits  of 
our  own  territorial  waters,  a'dding  to  the  plunder  of  our 
property  the  murder  of  our  citizens,  that  Congress,  after 
exhausting  all  means  of  accommodation  by  pacific  remon- 
strance, was  obliged  to  declare  war.  This  occm-red  in  the 
month  of  Jime  preceding  this  meeting  of  Synod.  As  might 
be  expected,  the  public  excitement  was  very  great.  Neu- 
trality, in  such  circumstances,  would  have  been  equally 
imcompatible  with  the  republican  principles,  the  sense  of 
moral  obligation,  and  the  gratitude  of  the  members  of  the 
Reformed  Presbyterian  community.  JSTow,  it  is  proper  here 
to  remark,  that  a  large  proportion,  at  that  time,  of  that  body 
of  professors  were  aliens,  though  they  did  not  regard  them- 
selves as  owing  any  allegiance  to  the  British  Government. 
The  struggles  of  their  ancestors,  in  Britain  and  Ireland, 
during  the  reign  of  the  Stuarts,  in  their  conflicts  for  civil 
and  religious  liberty,  and  their  strict  adherence  to  the  prin- 
ciples of  the  Reformation,  had  wrought  up  their  moral  per- 
ceptions to  a  high  degree  of  refined  delicacy,  with  regard 
to  the  moral  character  of  civil  magistracy.  Though  they 
believed  that  the  Revolution  settlement  secured  to  the 
British  subject  many  invaluable  rights,  yet,  notwithstand- 
ing, they  viewed  it  as  built  upon  the  ruins  of  that  cove- 
nanted Reformation,  to  the  maintenance  of  which  they  felt 
themselves  most  solemnly  bound.  They  avoided  taking  any 
share  in  governmental  concerns,  and  refused  to  swear  alle- 


128         MEMOm  OF  ALEXANDER  MCLEOD,  D.D. 

giance  to  tlie  crown.  These  scruples  were  conscientious. 
This  aciiteness  of  sensibility  with  regard  to  civil  govern- 
ment, as  established  and  administered  in  the  British  Isles, 
was,  moreover,  considerably  vrhetted  by  their  collisions,  and 
for  many  years  continual  controversies  with  that  respectable 
body  of  Christians,  denominated  the  Secession.  In  the 
course  of  these  contests,  the  pastors  had  become  familiarly 
acquainted  with  every  weapon  of  argumentative  warfare, 
whether  great  or  small,  from  the  heavy  artillery  down  to 
the  pop-gun ;  and  could  use  them  yvitli  great  adroitness. 
For  this  dexterity  they  were  not  indebted  to  college  lore. 
They  could  split  hairs,  and  fearlessly  traversed  the  most 
intricate  regions  of  metaphysical  subtilty.  Practice  made 
them  perfect  in  this  department  of  warfare. 

It  is  easy  to  j^erceive,  that  there  was  danger  of  becoming 
rather  too  j^ugnacious.  And  as  the  organs  and  faculties 
most  employed  and  cultivated  generally  outgrow  those 
which  are  not  duly  exercised,  so  it  was  to  be  feared  that 
these  argumentative  achievements  might  have  a  tendency 
to  impede  the  progress  of  experimental  religion.  Of  this 
danger  they  were  often  warned ;  and  doubtless  many  guarded 
against  it.  Yet  still,  the  Christian  community  have  credited 
them  with  possessing  a  sufficiently  ample  proportion  of  con- 
troversial propensity.  But,  be  this  as  it  may,  having  been 
in  the  constant  habit  of  opposing  and  testifying  against  the 
British  government,  previously  to  their  emigration,  they 
generally  arrived  in  this  country  with  a  conviction  that 
there  is  something  wrong  in  the  United  States  government, 
if  not  to  such  an  extent  as  in  the  old  country,  yet  quite 
sufficient  to  induce  them  to  stand  aloof  from  it. 

* 

Tliat  such  views  and  feelings  should  have  been  entertained 
by  some  of  them,  when  they  came  hither,  and  even  for  some 


PEEMATTRE  LEGISLATION.  129 

years  after  tlieir  arrival,  is  iiotliing  more  than  miglit  liave 
been  expected. 

It  is  mucli  to  l)e  regretted,  that  at  the  time  of  the  publi- 
cation of  the  Testimony,  designated  Eefoemation  PEixcirLES 
Exhibited,  more  enlarged  and  correct  views  had  not  been 
entertahied  respecting  the  relations  of  the  chnrch  to  the 
United  States  government.  In  the  historical  narrative  pre- 
fixed to  the  Assertatory  part,  there  are  published  statements 
on  this  subject  which,  to  say  the  least  of  them,  were  indiscreet. 
Tlie  legislation  was  premature,  and  all  subsequent  attempts 
to  amend,  only  mystified  and  embarrassed  it,  hecavise  jy^^asters 
were  employed,  instead  of  the  hiife.  One  judicious  act 
was  passed,  viz,  '•  Hold  no  comuiunion  with  Church,  or 
State,  or  any  society  whatever,  when  said  communion  will 
involve  in  it  immorality."  Had  this  sensible  decree  repealed 
all  other  acts  on  this  subject,  that  were  before  it,  the  legis- 
lation would  have  been  complete.  But  a  fiilse  shame 
of  confessing  blunders — and  yet  everybody  makes  some 
blunders — and  of  correcting  them,  and  a  strange  disposi- 
tion rather  to  continue  in  error  than  to  acknowledge  falli- 
bility by  reforming,  together  with  a  fear  of  incurring  the 
imputation  of  being  "given  to  change,"  did  for  some  time, 
prevent  their  expunction.  These  obnoxious  acts  were  finally 
ordered  to  be  expunged  from  the  narrative,  in  the  second 
edition  of  the  Testimony  published  in  1824:. 

Some  have  considered  the  acts  referred  to,  although  not 
formally  rescinded,  as  nevertheless  annihilated,  by  the  silent, 
though  powerful  action  of  increasing  light  and  intelligence. 
It  will  readily  be  admitted,  that  rapid  and  violent  changes 
in  public  bodies  are  to  be  deprecated.  Even  when  imperi- 
ously demanded  by  the  nature  of  the  case,  they  should  be 
managed  with  great  prudence  and  circumspection.    There 


130  AIEMOIR   OF   ALEXAJSTDEK   Mc  LEOD,    D.D. 

is  great  danger  of  relaxing,  if  not  destroying,  confidence  in 
public  functionaries,  wlien  changes  become  frequent.  Every 
change,  of  course,  implies  previous  imperfection ;  and 
altbougli  the  public  acts  of  an  ecclesiastical  body  cannot  be 
exempted  from  the  common  infirmities  of  humanity,  yet  they 
ought  to  be  j)eculiarly  guarded  and  vigilant.  Blunders  of 
communities  are  more  dangerous  and  hurtful  than  those  of 
individuals.  The  appearance  of  vacillation  and  change, 
therefore,  should  be  carefully  avoided.  Although  various 
points  of  order,  or  even  doctrines,  may,  in  the  course  of  half 
a  century,  more  or  less  need,  evidently,  some  ammendments 
or  modifications,  yet  these  are,  prudently,  allowed  to  pro- 
ceed silently,  and  almost  imperceptibly,  for  a  considerable 
time,  until  the  community  shall  be  prej^ared  for  a  change  : 
and  then  these  improvements,  which  the  general  mind  has 
been  anticipating,  can  be  introduced  in  a  revision  of  the 
standards.  This  has  been,  and  must  be  the  case,  both  in 
Church  and  State.  How  many  laws  have  become  obsolete, 
and  have  sunk  into  oblivion,  without  having  ever  been 
formally  repealed !  All  legislative  enactments  presuppose 
a  certain  degree  of  preparation  and  intelligence  in  the 
public  mind.  This  preparation  should  be  gradual,  adapted 
to  the  moral  and  intellectual  capacity  of  the  community. 
"  Milk  to  babes,  and  strong  meat  to  the  full  grown."  "  I  have 
many  things,"  says  our  Lord,  "  to  tell  you,  but  you  cannot 
bear  them  now."  Legislation,  Avhether  civil  or  ecclesiastical, 
should  always  be  adapted  to  the  x^i'^gi'^ssive  state  and 
exigencies  of  societies. 

It  has  been  already  stated,  that  many  of  the  adherents 
of  the  Eeformed  Presbyterian  Church  Avere,  from  consci- 
entious scruples,  aliens.  These  reasonably  anticipated  some 
political  difiiculties,  especially  those  who  resided  near  the 


OATH  OF  ALLEGIANCE.  131 

Atlantic  coast,  or  in  places  contignons  to  the  seat  of  war. 
The  Synod,  at  meeting,  saw  the  necessity  of  serions  and 
judicious  deliberation  on  this  condition  of  many  of  their 
flock.  This  was  the  first  time,  since  the  emission  of  the 
Testimony,  that  the  subject  of  our  civil  relations  was  brought 
regularly  before  our  judicatory.  Doctor  McMaster,  in  his 
very  judicious  pamphlet  on  Civil  Kelations,  in  the  tenth  page 
remarks,  "  In  the  interval,  discussions  of  a  public  nature 
had  shed  light  upon  the  general  subject ;  changes  had,  in 
several  instances,  been  eifected  in  public  policy,  or  doubtful 
points  had  been  settled.  The  inhuman  and  disgraceful 
traffic,  the  African  slave-trade,  had  been  abolished  by  act 
of  Congress,  and  all  participation  in  it  made  penal.  Impor- 
tant State  decisions  in  favor  of  religion  and  morals  had 
likewise  taken  place  in  the  same  period.  At  the  date  now 
mentioned,  the  subject  of  civil  relations  came  more  fully 
and  distinctly  before  the  Synod  than  at  any  previous  time, 
and  for  a  decision  upon  it,  observation  and  reflection  had 
rendered  them  better  prepared  than  on  any  former  occasion. 
A  committee,  consisting  of  the  oldest  ministers  of  the  church, 
was  appointed  to  consider  the  matter,  and  on  the  day  above 
stated  (August  14,  1812),  brought  in  a  report  which,  with 
an  additional  amendment,  was  unanimously  adopted.  " 

Of  this  report,  the  following  is  a  copy,  as  also  of  the 
appointment  of  the  committee. 

"Pittsburg,  August  12,  1S12. 

"Messrs.  Gibson,  Wylie,  and  McLeod,  were  appointed 
a  committee  to  inquire,  what  security  the  members  of  this 
church  can  give  to  the  constituted  authorities  of  the  United 
States,  consistent  with  their  avowed  principles,  that  they  are 
not  to  be  considered,  whether  aliens  or  citizens,  in  the 
character  of  enemies ;  and  report  thereon  ?" 


132  MEMOm   OF   ALEXANDER   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

"  August  14,  1S12. 

"Tlie  committee  to  wliom  was  referred  tlie  above  ques- 
tion, rej^ort  as  follows  : — 

''  1.  That  this  Synod,  in  the  name  of  its  constituent  mem- 
bers, and  of  the  whole  Chnrch,  which  they  represent, 
declare  that  they  aj^prove  of  the  Republican  form  of  the 
civil  order  of  tlie  United  States,  and  of  the  several  States ; 
that  they  prefer  this  nation  and  its  government  to  any  other 
nation  and  government;  that  they  will  support  to  the 
utmost,  the  independence  of  the  United  States,  and  the 
several  States,  against  all  foreign  aggressions,  and  domes- 
tic factions,  and  disclaim  all  allegiance  to  any  foreign  juris- 
diction whatever. 

"  2.  That  believing  it  to  be  the  duty  of  nations, 
formally  to  recognize  the  sovereignty  of  Messiah  over  all 
persons  and  things ;  and  to  construct  their  system  of 
government  upon  principles  which  publicly,  recognize  the 
authority  of  that  divine  revelation  which  is  contained  in  the 
Scriptures,  as  the  supreme  law,  their  disapprobation  of  the 
presently  existing  Constitution  is  with  them  a  matter  of  con- 
science, and  wholly  founded  on  the  omission  of  this  duty. 

"  3.  That  emigrants  from  foreign  nations,  lest  they  should 
be  considered  as  alien  enemies,  be  instructed  to  give  to  the 
proper  organ  of  this  government,  the  following  assurance 
of  their  allegiance  to  this  empire,  each  for  himself,  when 
required. 

"  I,  A  B,  do  solemnly  declare,  in  the  name  of  the  Most 
High  God,  the  searcher  of  hearts,  that  I  al)jure  all  foreign 
allegiance  whatsoever,  and  hold  that  these  States  and 
the  United  States  are,  and  ought  to  be,  sovereign,  and 
independent  of  all  other  nations  and  governments ;  and 
that  I  will   promote    the    best    interests   of  this    empire, 


OMISSIONS.  133 

maintain  its  independence,  preserve  its  peace,  and  supiDort 
tlie  integrity  of  the  Union  to  the  best  of  my  power. 

"  4.  That  a  delegation  be  appointed  to  proceed,  so  soon 
as  they  shall  deem  it  eligible,  to  the  seat  of  government  of 
these  States,  and  confer  with  the  government  npon  this  sub- 
ject, with  a  view  to  obtain  the  protection  of  the  laws, 
in  maintaining  their  present  testimony." 

On  comparing  the  oath  adopted  by  Synod  with  the  oatli 
of  naturalization  prescribed  by  the  United  States,  one  is 
rather  astonished,  that  the  former  was  ever  framed  by  that 
judicatory.  An  applicant  for  citizenship  is  called  to  swear, 
"  That  he  will  support  the  Constitution  of  the  United  States ; 
and  that  he  absolutely  and  entirely  renounces  and  abjures 
all  allegiance  and  fidelity  to  any  foreign  Prince,  Potentate, 
State,  and  Sovereignty  whatsoever,  and  particularly  to  [here 
follows  the  name  of  the  state  or  kingdom  whence  he  came], 
of  which  he  was  before  a  subject."  Did  the  Synod  think 
the  common  oath  of  naturalization  too  weak,  defective,  and 
not  sufEciently  comprehensive?  Did  they  think  it  not 
enough  to  swear  to  support,  to  the  utmost  of  their  power, 
the  Constitution  of  the  United  States,  but  must  they  also 
swear  to  su^jport  those  of  the  particular  States  ?  Tlieir 
oath  is  more  full,  explicit,  and  comprehensive,  than  tliat  of 
naturalization.  It  would  appear,  therefore,  that  either  they 
did  not  fully  imderstand  the  oath  of  allegiance  to  the  United 
States,  or  that  they  conceived  that  by  omitting  the  word 
Constitution,  they  evaded  all  implication  in  its  deficiencies. 
But  they  object  not  to  it  on  account  of  anj 2)0sitive  immo- 
rality. Tlie  second  resolution  declares  that  their  "  disap- 
probation is  founded  wholly  upon  omission.-''  There  is, 
certainly,  a  great  difference  between  a  positive  immorality, 


134:  MEMOm   OF   ALEXANDER   MCLEOD,   D.D. 

and  a  77ie7'e  o?mssion,  or  deficiency.  Eveiytliing  linman  is 
im]3erfect.  The  rejection,  therefore,  of  the  entire  civil 
system  of  the  United  States,  as  a  system  with  which  no 
political  fellowship  should  be  held,  could  never  have  been 
intended  by  Synod.  This  would  be  pretty  much  like  refus- 
ing to  receive  ninety  cents  out  of  the  dollar,  because  the 
whole  amount  was  not  forthcoming  !  Hear  Dr.  McMaster 
on  Civil  Relations,  page  11.  The  Doctor  states  as  an  alter- 
native, what  they  must  have  intended.  "  Or  rather,"  says 
he,  "  does  it  not  appear  to  have  been  the  intention  of  Synod, 
under  a  testimony  against  whatever  might  be  found  amiss  in 
the  government,  to  leave  the  people  in  all  they  found  moral, 
to  hold  civil  and  political  communion  with  the  States  ? 
Examine,"  says  the  Doctor,  "  the  import  of  this  document. 
'  This  Synod,'  it  says,  '  in  the  name  of  its  constituent  mem- 
bers, and  of  the  whole  church,  which  they  represent,  declare 
that  they  will  support,  to  the  utmost,  the  independence  of 
the  United  States.,  and  the  several  States,  against  all  foreign 
air^ressions,  and  domestic  factions,'  &c.  What  is  a  State  ?  It 
is  neither  merely  the  soil,  nor  the  individuals,  as  such,  that 
occupy  the  soil.  It  is  the  hody  ^politic  /  the  community 
under  their  Constitution  and  laws.  It  is  the  Constitution 
and  constitutional  laws,  expressed  or  understood,  that  binds 
the  individuals  into  a  community,  and  thus  forms  a  State. 
Abolish  these  bonds,  and  there  is  no  body  politic  ;  no  State. 
The  sovereignty  or  independence  of  the  several  States  is 
recognized  in  this  deed  of  the  church,  and  a  solemn  pledge 
is  given  to  suj)jport  to  the  utmost,  the  several  States  in  this 
independent  sovereignty  which  they  possess.  This  is  much 
stronger  and  more  explicit  than  the  legal  oath  of  allegiance 
required. 

"  Again,"  says  the  Doctor,  "  the  United  States  are  recog- 


THE  UNION   SUPPORTED.  135 

nized  as  distinct  from  tlie  Stcates.  Tlie  States  in  union 
present  to  tlie  mind  an  object  distinct  from  that  of  tlie 
several  States,  under  tlieir  own  respective  systems  of  order ; 
and  to  tlie  States  tlius  united,  as  of  right,  independent  of 
all  foreign  nations,  the  pledge  of  support  to  the  utmost  is 
tendered  hy  this  deed  of  our  highest  judicatory.  What  is  it 
that  constitutes  the  several  States,  the  United  States  ?  Is 
it  not  the  Federal  Constitution?  The  old  thirteen  States 
were  first  constituted  United  States  by  their  representatives 
in  the  Congress  of  1774,  meeting  in  support  of  a  common 
cause,  against  a  common  oppressor,  and  acting  under  the 
well-known  principles  of  that  common  cause,  for  the  general 
welflire.  Such  were  the  first  bonds  of  Unio]i.  These 
gave  place  to  the  more  specific  Articles  of  Confederation, 
which,  in  course  of  time,  yielded  to  the  present  United 
States  Constitution.  This  is  the  present  bond  of  Union.  It 
is  the  Federal  Constitution  that  makes  the  several  States  tlie 
United  States.  Annul  that  instrument,  and  you  will  find  the 
several  States,  each  in  full  possession  of  its  primitive  sove- 
reignty, with  all  its  prerogatives;  but  there  will  be  no  United 
States,  no  Federal  government,  no  United  Empire  to  which 
an  oath  of  allegiance  could  be  given. 

"  To  one  part  of  the  engagement  your  attention  is  particu- 
larly directed :  the  ^pledge  to  suj^xfort  the  integrity  of  the 
Union— aje,  the  integrity  of  the  Union  ;  the  entireness  of 
the  Union.  Eemember,  the  bond  which  holds  the  States  in 
union  is  the  Federal  Constitution.  Can  the  entireness  of 
the  Union  be  preserved  otherwise  than  by  the  preservation 
of  this  bond  ?  Cast  away  this  bond,  and  the  Union  is  at  an 
end.  Tliis  oath,  then,  obliges  to  support  the  Constitution  in 
its  true  spirit  and  interest,  as  it  is  that  which  gives  existence 
to  the  Union,  in  its  present  fonn,  which  holds  the  States  in 


136  MEMOIE   OF  ALEXANDER   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

union,  and  without  wliicli  tlie  Union  must  cease.  To  this, 
under  tlie  sanction  of  the  Supreme  Judicatory  of  the  church, 
all  her  members  who  hearken  to  the  instructions  of  this  act 
are  bound ;  and  her  members  from  abroad  are  authorized 
to  give  this  assurance  of  allegiance  to  the  government,  when 
required. 

"  Permit  me  brethren,"  continues  the  author,  "  now  to 
ask  you,  had  Synod  at  the  period  when  this  act  passed, 
and  that  witliout  a  dissenting  voice,  considered  the  whole 
system  of  the  government  as  immoral,  or  the  Federal  Con- 
stitution as  containing  a  pledge  to  immorality,  could  they 
have  ordained  this  oath  of  allegiance  ?  Could  they  have 
authorized  their  people  to  take  it?  Most  assuredly  they 
could  not — tliey  would  not  have  done  so.  This  act  is  still  of 
authority  with  us.  It  is  a  part  of  our  statute  law.  It  was 
formed  by  men  who  well  understood  the  import  of  the 
language  which  they  employed,  the  same  men  who  first 
gave  form  to  the  body  of  our  Testimony,  and  who  have 
to -this  day  persevered  in  the  maintenance  of  that  Testi- 
mony which  they  framed  and  understood.  It  is  distinctly 
remembered,"  continues  the  Doctor,  "  by  the  writer  of 
these  pages,  with  what  cordiality  this  act  j)assed  at  the 
time,  and  it  is  known,  too,  with  what  approbation  it  has 
been  spoken  of  since.  Is  it  possible,  that  some  of  the 
brethren  who  entered  the  ministry,  at  a  later  day,  are 
unacquainted  with  this  deed  V 

On  the  subject  of  disa^yprobatioii  of  some  omissions  in  the 
Federal  Constitution,  let  us  again  hear  Doctor  McMaster: 
"  It  will  be  noticed,"  says  he,  "  that  it  is  diswpp'olation,  not 
rejection.)  that  is  expressed.  It  is  disapprobation,  not  of  a 
positive  immorality,  but  simply  of  an  oonissioji  of  duty. 
This  is  something  very  remote  from  an  entire  rejection  of 


FEDEKAL   CONSTITUTION.  137 

the  system  as  immoral.     In  our  friend,  we  often  find  many 
things  to  disapprove;   and  in  onr  excellent  chnrch  some 
defects ;  hnt  on  these  accounts  we  will  neither  abandon  the 
latter,  nor,  as  reprobate  silver,  cast  off  the  former.     It  is  the 
violent  actings  of  the  anti-social  principle  alone,  that  would 
dictate  such  a  course.      You   will   attend  to  the   fact,  as 
worthy  of  notice,   that  no  positive  immorality  is  charged 
upon  the  Constitution  of  the  Union  ;  it  is  a  conscientious 
disapprobation,  loholUj  founded  upon  an  omission  of  duty. 
It  is  conscientious,  not  factious,  it  is  a  disaiDprobatiou  of 
neglect  of  duty  in  the  people,  not  a  rebuke  of  an  immorality 
engaged  to  in  the  Constitution.     It  is  a  disajyjyrolation  of  a 
particular  want,  let  it  be  recollected,  not  a  dissent  from  the 
system.     This  is  the  true  spirit  of  the  ancient  Covenanters. 
The  ojiposite  course  implies  a  princi23le  which  would  prove 
a  solvent  to  every  relation  on  earth.     But  it  is  not  a  prin- 
ciple of  Covenanters,  to  reject  a  system,  possessed  of  requisite 
fundamental  attributes,  because  of  defects.     Their  whole 
history  of  authoritative  acts,  furnishes  not  a  solitary  instance 
of  such  a  measure.     To  plead  for  such,  is  the  invention  of 
modern,  and  though   zealous,  yet  not  well-informed   men. 
It  is   an  innovation  upon    established    principles,   and    a 
novelty  in  practice,  unauthorized.     And  in  the  case  before 
us,  let  it  be  noted,  that,  notwithstanding  the  conscientious 
disapprobation  of  tlie  defect,  the  Synod  prescribed  the  oath  of 
allegiance  to  this  empire  which  we  have  just  seen,  and  autho- 
rized her  emigrant  members  to  give  it  as  a  pledge  of  fealty, 
"  to  the  proper  organ  of  government,  when  required."     The 
question,  now  brethren,  before  us,  is  not,  whether  Sjnod 
did  right  in  passing  this  act ;  but  did  they  authorize  their 
ministers  thus  to  act  ?  and  so  authorizing,  did  that  body  at 

10 


138  MEMOIK   OF   ALEXAISTDER  MCLEOD,    D.D. 

that  time  repudiate  tliis  empire  as  immoral  ?  Xo !  no ! 
The  thing  is  impossible." 

The  reasonings  in  this  quotation  are  simple  and  conclu- 
sive. It  furnishes  undeniable  data  for  the  two  deductions. 
1st.  That  the  Synod  unanimously  considered  the  United 
States  Government  as  the  moral  ordinance  of  God ;  and 
that  allegiance  to  it  was  not  incompatible  with  allegiance  to 
the  Mediator.  2d.  That  they  attribute  more  than  really 
belongs  to  it,  to  the  oath  of  naturalization.  It  certainly 
could  not  have  been  their  object  to  substitute  an  oath  of  a 
stronger  and  more  comprehensive  character,  and  unneces- 
sarily embracing  in  it,  specifications  regarding  the  semral 
States,  as  well  as  the  Union.  Any  law  or  institution,  con- 
trary to  the  United  States  Constitution  is,  ipso  facto,  null 
and  void.  Art.  vi.  2.  "  This  Constitution,  and  the  laws  of 
the  United  States  which  shall  l)e  made  in  pursuance  thereof, 
shall  be  the  supreme  law  of  the  land ;  and  the  Judges  in 
every  State  shall  be  bound  thereby,  anything  in  the  Consti- 
tution or  laws  in  any  other  State  to  the  contrary,  notwith- 
standing," But  there  may  creep  into  State  Constitutions 
and  laws,  articles  and  provisions  which  are  incompatible 
with  the  spirit  of  the  Federal  Constitution.  The  oath  of 
allegiance  does  not,  in  any  sense,  recognize  these.  The 
Federal  Constitution  is  an  admirable  instrument.  It  has  its 
defects,  like  all  other  human  ordinances;  and  it  is  truly 
wonderful  to  find  any  national  document  so  free  from  faults, 
in  a  bond  so  original,  so  peculiar,  and  requiring  a  com- 
promise of  so  many  conflicting  interests  and  views. 

It  may  here  be  remarked,  that  this  oath,  if  we  understand 
it  aright,  not  only  recognizes  the  legitimacy  of  the  United 
States   Government,  but   eftectually  repeals   any  contrary 


NO    rOSITIVE    IMMOEALITY.  139 

legislative  act,  wliicli,  in  our  judicatory,  may  liave  pre- 
ceded it.  This  is  the  nature  of  every  law,  and  if  not 
expressed  in  any  section  of  the  enactment,  is  of  necessity 
understood.  Consequently,  the  whole  obnoxious  batch  of 
opinions  and  acts  referred  to  in  the  historical  narrative,  is 
virtually  repealed  and  set  aside.  It  is  contrary  to  the  very 
nature  of  legislation,  that  anything  contradictory  to  a  sub- 
sequent unqualified  enactment  could  remain  obligatory. 
Anything,  therefore,  I  repeat  it,  either  in  the  historical  nar- 
rative, prefixed  to  the  Testimony,  or  in  the  declaration  of 
principles  and  doctrines,  whether  asserted  or  testified  against 
as  errors,  contrary  to  the  spirit  and  tenor  of  these  resolutions, 
carried  unanimously  in  full  Synod,  is  absolutely  null  and 
void,  upon  the  principle  of  rational  legislation. 

There  is  only  one  objection  wearing  any  plausible  aspect, 
viz. :  "  'No  laws  are  valid  unless  they  are  agreeable  to  the 
Constitution  adopted  by  the  community  for  which  the 
enactment  is  made,  and  by  which,  of  course,  the  legislators 
are  bound,"  The  objection  is  indeed  plausible,  and  merits 
a  candid  answer. 

The  principle  is  correct,  in  general,  that  laws  repugnant 
to  the  Constitution  are  not  obligatory.  Let  us  examine  the 
application  of  this  principle. 

There  must  be  a  Constitution  making  specific  provision 
for  its  alterations  :  and  where  legislators  are  changed,  or 
liable  to  be  changed,  ammally  or  biennially,  some  pro- 
vision of  this  sort  may  appear  necessary  to  give  more 
stability  to  the  laws.  But  the  propriety  of  such  a  practice 
is  questionable  in  such  associations  as,  with  but  little  varia- 
tion, consist  of  the  same  members  in  many  successive  meet- 
ings, holding,  as  it  were,  by  a  life  tenure.  AYlien  mostly  the 
same  persons  meet  to  deliberate,  it  is  not  easy  to  see  what 


140  MEMOIR   OF   ALEXAKDEE   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

good  reason  can  be  assigned  wlij  \hQ  fundamental  law — the 
Constitution — slionld  require  two-thirds,  or  any  otlier  pro- 
portion tlian  a  mere  majority,  to  alter  or  amend  any  of  its 
provisions.     Societies    are   moral  persons;  and  wliy  they 
should  make  enactments  limiting  their  capability  of  reform- 
ing, when  they  find  themselves  wrong,  is  not  very  apparent. 
The  principle  is  not  republican.     The  majority  should  gov- 
ern.    But  be  this  as  it  may,  our  Ecclesiastical  Constitution 
contains  no  su.ch  restrictions.     Every  subsecjuent  legislative 
act  repeals,  of  course,  whatever  is  contrary  to  it  in  any  pre- 
ceding enactment.     A  bare  majority  determines  the  point 
under    discussion.     Two-thirds,   or    three-fourths    are    not 
required  for  the   repeal  of  any  preceding   enactment.     A 
majority  is  sufficient;  otherwise  an  obnoxious  law,  or  erro- 
neous principle,  might  remain  in  force   for   an  indefinite 
length  of  time,  while  a  majority  were  opposed  to  it !     Li 
the  instance  under  consideration,  the  members  in  the  Court 
establishing,  and  in  the  same  Court  rescinding — mrtuaUy 
rescinding — these  obnoxious  provisions  were  ten  and  eighteen. 
That  is,  five  Ministers  and  as  many  Elders  established  them  ; 
while  Qiine  Ministers  and  as  many  Elders  virtually  rescinded 
thems    ITow,  if  ten  had  a  right  to  establish  them,  because 
they  then  thought  them  to  be  proper  and  expedient,  would 
it  not  outrage  common  sense  to  deny  to  the  same  ten,  with 
eight  others,  equally  interested  and  equally  conscientious, 
associated  with  them,  the  right  to  correct  and  amend  what, 
in  the  lapse  of  six  eventful  years,  greater  light  and  expe- 
rience had  manifested  to  be  wrong  ? 

That  the  oath,  tlien  framed  by  the  Supreme  Judicatory, 
should  have,  definitively,  settled  the  question  of  our  civil 
relations,  will  be  admitted  generally  by  the  judicious  and 
the  intelligent,   on   due   attention  to   the    subject.     Hear 


THE   GOYEEXMENT   NOT   IMMOEAL.  141 

Dr.  McMaster  again.  Civil  delations,  P^S'^  1^  •  "  It  is  a 
decree  of  Sjiiod,  that  it  is  iinlawfal  to  prof  ess  or  sioear  alle- 
giance to  an  hmnoral  eonstitutioii  of  civil  government,  but," 
after  tlie  lapse  of  six  years — "  tliey  decree  that  a  prescribed 
oath  of  allegiance  may  be  made  to  this  government,  [that  is 
the  United  States].  The  conchision  is  inevitable;  Synod 
considers  this  government,  though  omitting  some  important 
duty,  to  be,  notwithstanding,  a  moral  institution ;  as  they 
would  say  of  a  good  man,  though  he  is  not  perfect,  jQt  he  is 
a  moral  man.  The  argument  is  plain."  The  Doctor  reduces 
it  to  the  form  of  a  syllogism. 

"  To  no  immoral  government  may  an  oath  of  allegiance 
be  given. — See  Testimony,  Chajp.  30. 

"  But  an  oath  of  allegiance  may  be  given  to  this  [U.  S.] 
government. 

See  report  of  Committee  and  its  adoption  by  S3^nod,  Pitts- 
burg, August  11,  1812. 

"  Ergo,  therefore,  the  government  is  not  immoral. 


Why  then,  it  may  be  asked,  since  judicial  legislation  on 
this  subject  seemed  so  decisive,  was  not  the  subject  allowed 
to  remain  at  rest  ?  To  this  inquiry,  it  may  be  answered, 
some  excellent  and  godly  members  of  our  community,  had 
conscientious  scruples  on  this  point.  The  Synod  did  not 
press  it.  The  times,  though  lowering  at  the  period  when 
the  act  was  passed,  became  more  propitious  than  had  been 
anticipated.  Our  people,  to  a  man,  approved  of  the  war,  as 
just  and  necessary,  to  repel  British  aggression.  Tliey,  though 
many  of  them  were  aliens,  were  nowhere  considered  as 
alien  enemies.      "  The  usual  delicacy  of  that  period  was 


142  MEMOm   OF   ALEXANDEE   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

exercised"  by  the  members  of  Synod  towards  each  other, 
and  touching  the  sentiments  of  such  as  entertained  different 
views  on  this  matter.  The  war  period  and  its  difficulties 
passed  away ;  and  from  that  time  forward  for  many  years, 
the  Supreme  Judicatory  was  not  called  to  act  on  the  subject 
of  civil  relations.  In  the  meantime  diversity  of  opinion  and 
practice  prevailed. 

In  the  years  1821,  '23,  '25,  '28,  and  '31,  the  deliberations 
of  Synod  were  again  more  or  less  occupied  with  this  subject, 
which  ought  to  have  been  considered  as  finally  settled,  but 
every  effort  to  enthrall  the  community,  and  subject  them  to 
a  vassalage,  repugnant  both  to  scrij)ture  precept  and  exam- 
ple, and  unknown  to  our  reforming  ancestors,  was  unsuc- 
cessful, and  was  frowned  down  by  the  better  sense  of  our 
judicatories.  Taking  all  these  progressive  acts  and  pro- 
ceedings of  our  Supreme  Judicatory,  as  our  guide,  Dr. 
McMaster  very  pertinently  asks,  "  What  does  this  accumula- 
tion of  evidence  prove  ?"  Does  it  prove,  "  That  Synod  has 
decided  our  civil  institutions  to  be  immoral  deeds  ?  l^o. 
That  the  members  of  our  church  can  do  nothing  in  reference 
to  them,  but  testify  against  them,  as  immoral  and  impious 
systems  of  iniquity?  'No.  That  the  Presbyteries  and  Synods 
of  our  communion  are  bound  to  depose  every  minister  and 
elder,  and  forthwith  to  excommunicate  from  the  church  of 
God,  and  deliver  over  to  Satan,  the  members  of  the  church, 
who,  in  the  face  of  the  progressive  decisions  of  our  Supreme 
Judicatory,  are  not  prepared  to  give  their  subscription  to 
views  thus  unauthorized  ?  Lnpossible !  "Whether  Synod 
have  done  rf'r/ht  or  wrong^  in  the  coui-se  they  have  pursued, 
is  not  the  question  at  issue.  The  question  is,  Have  the 
Court  so  decided?  Do  their  decisions  justify  the  oj^inion  of 
the  immorality  which  some  ascribe  to  our  civil  institutions^ 


PKINCIPLES  NEVER  CHANGED.  143 

Do  they  warrant  tlie  inflictions  of  the  highest  censures  of 
the  church  upon  those  who  difter  from  tliat  opinion  ?"  Cer- 
tainly not. 

Amid  all  these  surrounding  circumstances,  this  inooted 
point  ought  to  have  been  a  matter  of  forbearance.  Many 
of  the  brethren  made  it  so.  Had  this  course  been  adopted 
by  all,  prejudices  would  have  been  gradually  extinguished, 
and  the  people  prepared  for  embracing  a  more  extended, 
liberal  and  uniform  view  of  the  application  of  the  great 
principles  of  the  lieformation.  Time  and  increasing  light 
would  have,  on  rational  grounds,  reconciled  them  to  a  system, 
wliicli,  from  their  former  modes  of  thinking,  on  their  arrival 
in  this  country,  they  had  viewed  in  an  unfavorable  manner. 
How  important  a  due  attention  to  the  saying  of  our  Lord, 
"  I  have  many  things  to  tell  you,  but  ye  cannot  bear  them 
now." 

Dr.  McLeod  was  the  author  of  the  oath  of  allegiance.  In 
the  views  expressed  above,  he  fully  coincided.  lie  did 
not  abruptly  encounter  the  prejudices  of  immigrant  appli- 
cants for  our  communion.  He  depended  much  on  time, 
reflection,  and  the  progressive  influence  of  our  republican 
institutions,  for  the  removal  of  unreasonable  prejudices.  lie 
thought  there  was  something  fascinating  in  the  beauty  and 
genius  of  our  free  republican  government,  calculated  to 
undermine  monarchical  prepossessions,  and  generate  an 
attachment  to  their  superior  excellence.  TVlien  worried  and 
annoyed  by  ignorance  and  petulance,  he  would  sometimes 

say,  "  Well,  the   conduct  of is  really  too  bad  :  but 

let  us  deal  gently.  Time  and  the  influence  of  society  will 
correct  such  extravagance." 

His  principles  on  civil  government,  he  never  changed. 
He  saw  it  to  be  dutiful  in  some  cases,  to  make  a  diflerent 


1J:4         MEMOIR  OF  ALEXANDER  MCLEOD,  D.D . 

applicatioii  of  tliem.  He,  no  doubt,  altered  liis  views  of 
some  of  the  objects  to  wliich  tbese  principles  are  applied  ; 
but  the  grand  principles  themselves,  he  always  most  firmly 
maintained. 


CALLED   TO   WALL   STKEET.  145 


CIIAPTEE   IX. 
1813. 

Call  from  the  First  Presbyterian  Cliurch  in  New  York. 

Doctor  McLeod's  pulpit  exhibitions,  by  tlieir  orthodoxy 
and  their  good  sense,  and  profundity  of  thought,  were  very 
popular  among  a  certain  class  in  ISTew  York.  That  class 
consisted  of  the  judicious  and  intelligent,  among  whom 
were  many  clergymen,  lawyers,  physicians,  and  theological 
students.  He  dissected  with  great  analytical  skill  the 
rampant  errors  of  the  clay  which  were  infesting  some 
respectable  sections  of  the  chm-cli  of  Christ.  In  this 
course,  he  continued  still  more  to  attract  the  attention  of 
surrounding  congregations. 

JSTot  deterred  by  the  disappointment  of  the  Refomied 
Dutch  congregation,  of  Garden  street,  from  the  Doctor's 
declining  their  call,  the  Fii-st  Presbyterian  Church,  in  the 
city  of  New  York,  on  the  15th  July,  1813,  called  on  him  to 
become  their  pastor. 

In  reference  to  this  call,  the  Doctor  thus  writes  to  his 
friend  in  Philadelphia,  oh  the  19th  of  the  same  month. 

"  My  Yeky  De.\:r  Brother  : — 

"Last  Thursday,  the  First  Presbyterian 
Church,  in  this  city,  gave  their  consent  to  the  removal  of 


116  MEMOIE   OF   AI.EXANDEE   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

Dr.  Miller  to  Princeton,  and  made  a  call  npon  me  to  be 
tlieir  pastor. 

"  I  had  understood,  some  time  before,  that  tliis  was  their 
intention,  ever  since  they  had  notice  from  the  j)apers  of  Dr. 
Miller's  election  to  the  professorship)  in  the  Theological 
Seminary  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  located  at  Princeton, 
and  I  had  very  pointedly  discountenanced  it. 

"  Although  the  leading  men  of  the  congregation  shunned 
a  personal  interview  with  me,  while  the  thing  was  progress- 
ing, I  knew  that  my  declaration  was  faithfully  announced 
to  a  previous  meeting  for  arrangements  of  the  elders, 
deacons,  and  trustees.  They  determined  notwithstanding 
to  make  the  attempt,  and  the  call  was  made  out  without 
opposition.  Only  four  members  of  the  congregation 
demurred,  and  they  readily  yielded. 

"  I  beg  you  turn  your  thoughts  to  the  reply  proper  to  be 
made  to  so  intelligent  and  influential  a  people,  who  have 
given  me  so  strong  an  evidence  of  personal  affection  and 
esteem.  Should  I  take  upon  myself  to  settle  the  affair,  and 
formally  communicate  my  determination ;  or,  ought  I  to 
permit  the  thing  to  take  its  course,  and  leave  the  event  to 
the  decision  of  our  Presbytery  ?  This  is  the  first  point  to 
be  decided."        "^        ^^         -         * 

The  following  extract  of  a  letter  from  Dr.  Ely  of  Phila- 
delphia, who  had  been  recently  settled  as  Pastor  to  the  Third 
Presbyterian  Church,  in  that  city ;  and  who,  from  a  loug  resi- 
dence in  ]^ew  York,  and  being  a  member  of  the  Clerical 
Association  there,  was  intimately  acquainted  with  Dr. 
McLeod,  testifies  how  highly  he  appreciated  the  talents,  the 
orthodoxy,  and  the  ministerial  qualifications  of  the  Doctor. 


DR.    ELY.  147 

"  Philadelphia,  28th  July,  1813. 
"  My  Dear  Brother,"  says  Dr.  Ely, 

"  It  has  afforded  me  great  j)leasiTre,  to  learn  that  a  call 
has  been  prepared  for  you  by  the  church  in  Wall  street ;  but 
it  would  yield  me  much  greater  satisfaction  to  know  that 
you  would  accept  of  it.  Our  church  needs  you ;  and  I 
hesitate  not  to  declare  my  opinion  that  no  man  in  the  United 
States  would  be  more  likely  to  subserve  her  interests,  in  the 
present  state  of  affairs,  than  yourself.  If  we  obtain  not 
a  little  more  efficient  orthodoxy,  we  shall  become,  '  a  cake 
not  turned,'  and  what  is  worse,  an  unlearned,  unprofitable 
mass.  As  a  j^i'oof  of  this  I  would  state,  that  during  my 
short  residence  in  this  city,  I  have  attended  two  installation 
services,  and  althougli  some  of  the  speakers  pretended  to 
give  a  summary  of  evangelical  doctrine,  yet  not  one  of 
them,  excepting  Mr.  Potts,  in  prayer,  in  sermon,  or  charge, 
alluded  to  the  doctrine  of  original  depravity,  imputation, 
election,  or  predestination. 

"Does  not  the  general  good  of  Christ's  church  in  the 
world,  indicate  that  vour  lio-ht  ought  not  to  be  contained 
under  a  bushel  ? 

"  I  think,"  continued  Dr.  Ely,  "  you  are  a  little  too  anxious 
about  the  construction  which  the  world  might  put  upon  your 
motives,  and  a  little  squeamish  about  the  salary.  Excuse 
me,  and  attribute  it  to  friendship,  if  I  am  too  plain ;  for  I 
strongly  desire  your  Scotch  head  and  helping  hand  in  our 
communion.  Some  young  man  may  take  your  present 
situation,  and  if  he  should  attempt  to  dej^art  from  the  faith, 
yom-  j^eople  know  very  well  how  to  keep  him  straight."  ""*^^ 

This  call  upon  Dr.  McLeod,  being  in  the  usual  form,  is  not 
here  inserted  ;  the  closing  sentence,  signature,  and  certifi- 
cate of  authenticity,  being  deemed  sufficient. 


148 


aiEMOIK   OF   ALEXANDER  MCLEOD,    D.D. 


"  And  tliat  you  may  be  free  from  worldly  cares  and 
avocations,  we  liereby  promise  and  oblige  om'selves  to  pay 
to  you  tlie  sum  of  twenty-five  hundred  dollars,  in  regular 
quarterly  jDayments,  during  tlie  time  of  your  being  and 
continuing  the  regular  j)astor  of  this  church.  In  testimony 
whereof,  we  have  hereunto  respectively  subscribed  our 
names,  this  loth  day  of  July,  1813. 
^'■Signed, 

David  Gelston, 

John  Iv.  B.  Rodgees, 

John  P.  Muivieoed, 

Robert  Lenox. 


1 


^  Elders. 


James  Anderson, 
Daniel  II.  Wickiiajm. 

WiLLiAJsi  Steeling, 
Elijah  Williams, 
Geoege  Geiffin, 

D^iNEEL   BoAEDMAN, 

Sajniuel  Cajvipbell, 
B.  Livingston. 


Deacons. 


Trustees. 


"  certificate. 
"  I  certify  that  the  within  call  was  voted,  without  opposi- 
tion, by  the  congregation  of  the  First  Presbyterian  Church, 
in  the  city  of  ITew  York,  regularly  convened  by  previous 
notice  from  the  pulpit,  for  that  purpose  ;  and  the  Elders, 
and  Deacons,  and  Trustees  were  ordered  to  sign  it,  in  behalf 


of  the  congregation. 


"July  \5th,  1813. 


"  Signed, 


"  John  B.  Romeyn,  Modr." 


On  the  next  meeting  of  Presbytery,  this  call  was  regularly 


DOCUMENTS.-  149 

reported   and  sustained,  as  is  evident  from  the  following 
document : — 


"  At  a  meeting  of  tlie  Presbytery  of  IS'ew  York,  held  in 
the  city  of  N'ew  York,  September  3d,  1813,  a  minnte  was 
made,  of  which  the  following  is  an  extract : 

"  Dr.  John  K.  B.  Rodgers,  and  Mr.  John  P.  Mnmford, 
from  the  Chnrch  in  Wall  street,  aj^peared  before  Presby- 
tery, duly  authorized  commissioners,  and  presented  a  call 
on  the  Rev-  Dr.  Alexander  McLeod,  which  beino-  found 
in  order,  they  had  liberty  to  prosecute  the  same. 

"A  true  copy. 

''Attested. 

"Matthew  La  Rue  Peeeine, 

''Stated  Clerk:' 

On  the  seventh  of  the  same  month,  a  copy  of  the  above 
record  was  very  respectfully  communicated  to  Di-.  McLeod, 
by  the  commissioners,   as  follows : 

"  New  Yoek,  S€2it.  7,  1813. 

"Reveeend  De.  Alexandee  McLeod: 

"  Dear  Sir  : — ^The  inclosed  is  a  copy  of  the 
record  of  Presbytery,  by  which  the  commissioners  from  the 
First  Presbyterian  Church  in  Wall  street,  have  liberty  to 
prosecute  the  call  according  to  their  appointment.  A  copy 
of  this  record  will  be  presented  by  us  to  the  Presbytery, 
to  meet  at  Galway,  when  we  aj)pear  before  them. 

"  Believing  this  call  to  be  from  the  Lord,  our  Redeemer, 
we  leave  the  result  to  him,  and  trust  that,  in  his  gracious 
Providence,  He  will  so  influence  your  heart,  as  to  accept 


150         MEMOm  OF  ALEXANDER  MCLEOD,  D.D. 

this  call,  and  thereby  be  an  instrument  in  bis  band  of  bless- 
ings on  bis  people. 

"We  are,  Eev.  and  dear  sir, 

"  With  sentiments  of  affection, 

"  Yonr  friends  and  brethren  in  Christ, 

"John  K.  B.  Rodgees,  )  ^       .   .        ,, 
,,  T  -r>    T\(r  r  Commissioners. 

"  John  r.  Mumeoed,      j 

To  these  highly  interesting  communications,  and  evidences 
of  affectionate  esteem  and  confidence,  on  the  part  of  that 
very  respectable  congregation.  Dr.  McLeod,  on  the  next 
day  returned  the  following  reply  : — 

"  New  York,  Sept.  8,  1813. 
"De.  John  K.  B.  Eodgees, 

"Me.  John  P.  Mumfoed, 

"  Gentlemen : — ^Your  note  of  yesterday, 

inclosing  a  copy  of  a  minute  of  the  Presbytery  of  New 

York,   requires  an  immediate  answer. 

"  It  w^ould  be  impossible  in  me  to  permit  commissioners 
to  proceed  to  the  Presbytery  at  Galw^ay,  without  informing 
them,  that  I  am  convinced,  the  journey  would  be  in  vain. 
I  shall,  indeed,  submit  myself  to  regular  ecclesiastical 
authority;  but  there  is  no  probability,  that  Presbytery 
will  direct  me  to  a  step  which  must  terminate  my  connection 
with  them. 

"  After  the  most  respectful  attention  to  your  call,  and  the 
concerns  wdiich  it  involves,  I  do  not  feel  it  my  duty  to 
accept ;  and  it  is  not  to  be  expected  that  Presbytery  will 
urge  or  advise  me  to  it. 

"It  is,  however,  with  very  high  respect  for  the  Wall 
street  congregation,   and    great    personal   esteem  for  my 


CALL   DECLINED.  151 

acquaiutance  among  its  members,  and  for  yon,  gentlemen, 
particularly,  that  I  decline  the  offer  made  to  me,  and  so 
remain  at  liberty  to  prosecute,  without  embaiTassment, 
my  previous  design  of  retiring  altogether  from  ISfew  York. 

"I  hoj)e,  dear  brethren,  that  the  God  of  Heaven  will 
direct  your  congregation,  to  choose  a  pastor,  whom  he  has 
fitted  for  such  an  important  station,  and  who  will  feed  them 
with  knowledge  and  understanding. 

"  Your  fellow  servant  in  the  gospel, 

"  Alexander  McLeod." 

On  the  day  following,  a  letter  was  received  from  Dr. 
McLeod,  of  which  the  following  is  an  extract. 

"  An  opportunity  presented  itself,  early,  for  bringing  the 
business  of  the  "Wall  street  church  to  a  close.  After  various 
interesting  conversations  on  ecclesiastical  affairs,  gradually 
preparing  the  principal  members  of  that  church  for  the 
disappointment,  I  was  addressed  on  Tuesday  last,  in  a 
letter  from  tlie  commissioners,  appointed  to  carry  the  call 
into  effect,  covering  a  minute  of  the  transactions  of  the 
Presbytery  of  Kew  York  upon  that  subject,  and  expressing 
a  wish  that  I  myself  should  favor  their  suit,  when  they 
would  appear  before  the  Presbytery  in  Galway. 

"  This  occurrence  drew  from  me  a  written  answer,  and 
my  final  reply  to  the  call.  That  question  is  now  settled. 
The  other  question,  that  which  relates  to  my  own  removal, 
must  go  to  Presbytery.  Upon  it,  at  present,  I  do  not  abso- 
lutely know  my  own  mind.     Providence  will  direct." 

The  last  paragraph  of  this  extract  makes  an  allusion  to  a 
subject  that  ma}^  require  some  explanation      In  a  former 


152  JMEMOIB   OF   ALEXANDEE   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

letter,  Dr.  McLeocl  remarks :  "  There  is  anotlier  considera- 
tion also,  which  will  have  some  weight,  both  in  hastening 
your  coming,  and  prolonging  yonr  stay. 

"  My  present  congregation  is  in'  some  agitation.  I  have 
announced  my  design  of  soliciting,  from  Presbytery,  a 
dissolution  of  our  connection.  The  only  ground  I  propose 
publicly  to  propose  is  necessity,  for  want  of  support,  and  the 
certainty  of  never  being  able  to  raise  a  sufficient  revenue 
for  a  man  of  a  large  family,  in  the  ordinary  method  of  pew 
rents,  considering  the  size  of  our  place  of  worship.  Tliere 
are,  however,  other  considerations  which  urge  my  removal, 
although  they  will  not  bear,  without  doing  injury  to  the 
congregation'Mtself,  to  be  exposed.  '^  '■^'  "-^  "'  My 
wish  is  to  leave  the  people  in  all  their  present  respectability, 
that  they  may,  with  their  present  strength  unbroken,  the 
better  succeed  in  settling  another.  If  I  must  leave  this 
charge,  better  for  them,  to  do  so  when  they  have  the  prospect 
of  supply  ;  and  better  for  one  to  move  elsewhere,  before  age 
and  infirmity  render  me  incapable  of  forming  another  congre- 
gation. I  must  leave  these  considerations,  however,  until 
we  meet ;  and  I  beg  of  you,  again,  to  hasten  that  time.  As 
you  will  have  the  family  along  with  you,  you  will  lay  your 
accounts  with  remaining  patiently,  until  the  holydays  are 
about  expiring ;  and  we  can  take  our  recreation  in  such 
a  manner  as  may  best  conduce  to  health,  while  we  are  not 
unmindful  of  church  affairs. 

"  "With  compliments  to  all  friends,  &c.  &c. 

"  I  am  yours, 

"  Alex.  McLeod." 

No  doubt  can  remain,  on  the  perusal  of  these  documents, 
1st.  That  Dr.  McLeod's  pecuniary  resources  were  inadequate 
to  the  support  of  his   increasing  family.     2d.  That  it  is 


NIGHT   SERMONS.  153 

equally  evident,  that  the  congTegation  in  Wall  street,  in  the 
call  they  made  on  Dr.  McLeod,  offered  a  sum  whicjh  would 
have  afforded  a  worldly  competence.  They  engaged  to  give 
$2,500,  a  sum  more  than  double  of  what  he  was  then  receiv- 
ing. He  is  not  able  to  remain  in  the  congregation,  to  the 
pastoral  charge  of  which  he  had  been  ordained,  for  lack  of 
support.  At  this  very  crisis,  an  abundant  supply  is  offered 
from  one  of  the  most  respectable  congregations  of  the  Pres- 
byterian connection,  presenting  a  wide  field  for  the  exercise 
of  talent,  and  most  encouraging  prospects  of  extensive  use- 
fulness. A  sense  of  duty  and  adherence  to  principle, 
preponderated.  Worldly  emolument  with  him,  did  not 
counterbalance  the  dictates  of  principle  and  conscience. 

At  this  period   Dr.  McLeod  was  engaged  in  the  most 
difficult  and  arduous  studies.     He  persevered  in  what  some 
of  his  warmest  friends  considered  a  most  injudicious  course, 
viz.   of  furnishing  three  services  on  each  Sabbath.     Many 
believe  that  the  duties  of  the  family,  the  examination  of 
children,  domestics,  and  inmates,  prayer,  and  other  edifying 
exercises,  such  as  are  competent  to  the  head  of  the  house  to 
give,  are  really  of  more  importance  than  these  night  sermam, 
unless    on    special    occasions.     There    may,  however,   be 
circumstances  which  will  alter  the  case:   and  there  is  no 
doubt  Dr.  McLeod  pursued  this  course  from  the  most  con- 
scientious motives,  to  subserve  the  interests  of  the  kino-dom 
of  his  Divine   Master.     Yet,   the  Doctor  did,  before  his 
departure  from  among  us,  admit,  that  it  had  as  well  been 
dispensed  with.     He  never  recommended  it  to    his  son. 
When  in  convei-sation   he  was  asked  by  his  friend,  "My 
dear  Doctor,  what  ultimate  advantage  do  you  expect  to  flow 
from  the  prosecution  of  such  a  laborious  course,  as  gi vino- 
three  services  in  your  church  every  sabbath — is   not  this 

11 


154  MEMOIR   OF   ALEXANDEE   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

practice,  in  addition  to  all  your  other  parocliial  duties,  too 
much  for  your  constitution?" — ^he  would  reply:  "I  like 
to  preach  Christ  Jesus  as  a  crucified  Saviour,  to  poor  perish- 
ing sinners."  "  But,"  his  friend  would  say,  "  Are  you  not 
running  down  your  life — ^living  now  upon  the  latter  end  of 
it  ?  Can  you  expect  to  be  able  to  serve  your  congregation, 
by  continuing  in  such  opx^ressive  labors,  as  long  as  you 
might  reasonably  expect  to  do,  by  the  use  of  more  moderate 
exertions  ?"  He  would  reply :  "  I  do  not  expect  to  live  to 
an  old  age — my  time  will  be  but  short,  I  must  work  while 
it  is  to-day.  Perhax^s,  with  my  present  experience,  were  I 
to  begin  the  course  again,  I  might  act  otherwise." 

In  addition  to  all  these  labors  in  his  own  congregation,  he 
was  lecturing  regularly  over  the  Book  of  the  Kevelation. 
To  the  exposition  of  this  sublime  and  mysterious  Book,  Dr. 
McLeod  brought  all  the  powerful  and  extensive  resources  of 
his  own  superior  mind  into  vigorous  operation.     His  lec- 
tures on  this  Book  gave  great  satisfaction,  and  he  was  pre- 
vailed upon  to  publish  them.     It  is  almost  incredible,  that, 
amidst  such  multitudinous  engagements — visits  given  and 
received  by  clerical  brethren,  and  other  literary  friends; 
parochial  duties;  three  public  services  on  the  Lord's  day, 
two  of  them  in  his  own  church  and  one  in  Dr.  Komeyn's ; 
together  with  numerous  other  ecclesiastical  cares — the  Doctor 
could  find  time   for   the   reading,  research    and   profound 
reflection,  which  these  lectures  both  required  and  received 
from  him.  "With  great  diligence  and  care,  he  collated  the  best 
expositors  of  the  Apocal}^[^se,  whether  ancient  or  modern, 
gave  due  credit  to  their  investigations,  and  with  an  admira- 
ble originality  of  conception,  presents  his  own  views  with 
such  luminous  evidence  as,  in  most  cases,  must  carry  con- 
viction with  it. 


DE.    EOMEYN.  155 

At  the  request  of  Dr.  Eomeyii  and  liis  congregation,  when, 
to  establish  his  health,  that  gentleman  made  a  voyage  to 
Eurojoe,  Dr.  McLeod,  with  the  consent  of  his  own  charo-e. 
supplied  Dr.  Romeyn's  pulpit  every  Sabbath  morning.  This 
he  did  with  great  acceptance  to  the  congregation.  The 
intimacy  between  these  two  brethren— faithful  ambassadors 
of  the  Redeemer — had  been  of  long  standing,  and  u?iinter- 
rupted.  This  cannot  be  better  delineated  than  as  it  is  found  in 
a  letter  of  Dr.  McLeod  to  Dr.  Romeyn,  prefixed  to  his  lec- 
tures on  the  Revelation,  which  is  here  transcribed. 


"  to  the  eeveeend  de.  john  b.  eosieyn". 

"MyDeaeSie:— 

"  I  send  you  this  volume  across  the  Atlantic,  as  a  tri- 
bute of  respect  and  friendship.  Should  it  live  beyond  the  age 
that  gave  it  birth,  this  address  will  serve,  at  least,  to  show  my 
sense  of  your  private  worth,  as  well  as  of  your  public  useful- 
ness and  respectability.  There  are  very  few  men  more  com- 
petent than  yourself,  to  judge  of  the  merits  of  a  work  on  the 
Apocalyi^tical  predictions.  Of  all  my  literary  friends,  too, 
you  have  been  the  first  and  the  most  intimate.  Our  ac- 
quaintance commenced  while  engaged  in  preparatory  studies 
for  the  ministry  of  reconciliation,  and  was  speedily  ripened 
into  mutual  friendship,  which  has  since  continued  close 
and  uninterrupted. 

"I  shall  always  remember  with  pleasure  the  select  society 
in  which  we  both  employed  our  pens  in  writing  for  the  pub- 
lic. Our  juvenile  essays  were  produced  for  the  Marlcsman, 
on  the  banks  of  the  Mohawk,  in  connection  with  other  valu- 
able friends.     One  of  them,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Linn,  of  Philadel- 


156  MEMOIR   OF   ALEXANDEE   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

pliia,  alas !  was  recalled  from  the  service  of  the  church 
militant,  in  the  morning  of  his  life,  and  his  usefulness :  but 
not  until  he  had  acquired  merited  celebrity,  and  chastised 
with  his  pen,  the  man  who  ventured  to  compare  Socrates 
with  Jesus  Christ — that  distinguished  philosopher  and  arch- 
heretic,  Dr.  Priestly.  Our  other  fellow  member.  Judge 
Miller,  who  now  holds  a  seat  in  the  Congress  of  the  United 
States,  still  cherishes,  amidst  the  cares  of  legislation,  the 
friendship  of  early  years.  He  will  join  me,  in  the  hope  that 
your  voyage  may  prove  the  means  of  re-establishing  your 
health ;  that  your  visit  to  Great  Britain,  and  to  the  Continent 
of  Europe,  may  prove  agreeable  and  instructive ;  and  that 
you  ma}^  be  restored  in  due  time  to  your  friends,  to  your 
flock,  and  to  your  country. 

"  "With  great  esteem,  I  am.  Dear  Sir, 

"your  affectionate  friend  and  fellow  servant, 

"Alex.  McLeod. 
"  New  York,  Feb.  12,  1814," 

This  letter  very  handsomely  shows  the  nature  and  the 
closeness  of  the  intimacy  of  these  two  excellent  men.  The 
deposit — his  congregation — put  by  him  into  the  hands  of 
Dr.  McLeod  during  his  absence,  affords  the  highest  evi- 
dence of  the  light  in  which  he  viewed  his  friend.  He 
selected  him  to  feed  his  sheep — the  flock  which  God  had 
committed  to  his  charge. 

During  Dr.  Eomeyn's  sojourn  abroad,  their  intercourse 
by  letter  was  as  frequent  as  the  belligerent  state  of  Great 
Britain  and  the  United  States  would  allow.  There  is  now 
before  the  writer  of  this  memoir,  a  manuscript  of  Dr. 
Romeyn's,  in  sixty-odd  quarto  pages,  descriptive  of  his 
feelings,  views,  and  reflections  on  men  and  things,  during 


LETTER  FROM  LISBON.  157 

liis  detention  after  his  arrival  in  Lisbon.  The  descriptions, 
natural,  civil,  and  religions,  are  vivid  and  graphic  in  a 
high  degree.  It  is  believed  that  this  piece  has  never  been 
presented  to  the  pnblic,  thongh  it  would  be  no  unacceptable 
treat  to  readers  of  taste.  Its  length,  however,  forbids  its 
insertion  in  this  memoir,  as  it  has  already  swelled  beyond 
its  contemplated  dimensions.  A  small  portion  of  it,  at  the 
commencement  and  close,  will  be  submitted. 


DR.    RO]\IETN   TO   DR.    MCLEOD. 

"  Lisbon,  March  IGth,  181-4. 
"My  Dear  Brother: — 

"  Little  did  I  expect,  when  I  wrote  you  imme- 
diately on  my  arrival  here,  that  I  should  have  been  detained 
so  long.  The  positive  instructions  of  the  British  ministry 
forbade  him  [the  agent  or  consul,  it  is  believed]  to  give  any 
American  a  passport  to  proceed  in  one  of  the  packets  to 
England.  lie,  however,  after  seeing  some  of  my  letters  of 
introduction,  promptly  offered  to  apply,  in  my  behalf,  to 
the  government.  Considering  myself  bound  to  procure  the 
most  honorable  and  safest  conveyance,  in  these  perilous 
times,  I  accepted  the  offer ;  and  on  the  22d  of  February 
I  received  my  passport.  ISText  Saturday,  God  willing,'  I 
shall  embark  on  board  the  Duke  of  Kent,  'No.  1,  Captain 
Colesworth,  who  is  acquainted  with  our  worthy  friends,  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Bethune.  I  trust  my  delay  will  meet  the  appro- 
bation of  all  in  whose  approbation  I  feel  interested. 

"  Although  my  detention  fretted  me  more  than  it  ought, 
as  it  was  not  of  my  making,  I  am  gratified  upon  the 
whole  that  it  has  so  happened,  because  I  have  had  an  oppor- 
tunity  of  seeing   a   country  in  many  respects  interesting 


158         MEMOIK  OF  ALEXANDER  MCLEOD,  D.D. 

to  a  Protestant,  and  that  Protestant  an  American  clergy- 
man. 

"  I  camiot  describe  the  strange  emotions  I  felt,  when  I 
first  trode  the  shores  of  the  Eastern  continent.  Everything 
I  heard  was  novel,  and  arresting  attention.  The  weather 
was  uncommonly  fine — 'the  summer  heaven's  delicious 
blue,'  shed  down  its  influence — which,  in  that  season  of  the 
year,  in  our  country,  is  the  bleakest,  coldest,  and  the  most 
forbidding.  The  earth  appeared  to  rejoice  under  this  influ- 
ence, exhibiting  a  diversified  scenery  of  the  richest  and  the 
most  useful  productions  on  the  hills,  and  in  the  dales,  inter- 
spersed with  houses,  and  with  wind-mills  in  motion.  In 
every  direction,  gardens  filled  with  orange  and  lemon 
trees,  laden  with  fruit — ^with  olive  trees  just  stript  of  theirs, 
but  exhibiting  the  remains  of  verdure — fields  covered  with 
grain  waving  in  the  wind' — hedges,  formed  of  the  aloes, 
greeted  the  sight.  Tlie  variety  of  objects,  with  all  their 
variety  of  colors,  under  the  clear,  brilliant,  and  most  exqui- 
sitely soft  sky,  combined  together,  formed  a  scene  at  which 
I  looked  with  peculiar — with  imcommon  delight.  Tlie  first 
impressions  are  not  yet  worn  ofl" — they  are  strong  and  lively 
as  ever.  Frequently  have  I  gone  to  the  high  grounds 
in  Lisbon,  and  about  it,  to  feast  my  eyes  with  the  beautiful 
picture  of  nature ;  and  have  as  often  found  new  sources  of 
pleasure.  In  the  feelings  of  my  heart,  I  have  exclaimed. 
Oh,  if  this  place  were  inhabited  by  an  intelligent,  a  moral, 
and  religious  people,  what  an  earthly  paradise  would  it  be ! 
Here  could  I  spend  my  days,  nor  ever  wish  to  leave  it 
for  another  abode. 

"  The  busy  world,  also,  attracted  my  attention,  and  had 
its  full  share  in  producing  strange  emotions.  In  walking 
tlie  streets  I  met  Turks,  Moors  from  Barbary,  Greeks,  Las- 


STKANGE   SIGHTS.  159 

cars,  Jews ;  besides  Europeans  of  different  nations,  and 
Americans,  all  in  addition  to  the  natives.  I  saw  tlie  cos- 
tumes of  various  x^eoples.  I  heard  their  languages  as  I 
passed  along.  The  expression  of  countenance,  the  action  in 
conversation,  were  as  various  as  the  people.  Instead  of 
carriages,  clumsy  post-chaises  rolled  through  the  streets; 
instead  of  carts,  galligos  caiTjing  burdens  on  their  backs ; 
instead  of  horses,  mules  and  jackasses.  The  houses  high 
and  unifoi-m,  with  balconies  in  the  second  and  third  stories. 
The  streets  filthy  to  an  extreme,  and  exhaling  a  noisome 
smell.  I  saw  the  people  in  passing  the  churches,  taking  off 
their  hats — when  the  Host  was  passing  by,  kneeling  down 
and  smiting  upon  their  breasts — in  some  places,  poor  deluded 
wretches  kneeling  in  the  street,  before  the  shrine  of  a  saint. 
I  met  with  monks  of  various  orders,  and  different  di-esses, 
black  and  white,  and  brown.  I  was  assailed  by  beggars  in 
scores,  beseeching  charity.  I  entered  their  churches  and 
saw  the  multitude  on  their  knees  making  the  sign  of  the 
cross,  and  reading  in  their  prayer-books,  whilst  the  priest 
was  performing  mass.  I  was  astonished.  I  could  at  times, 
hardly  believe  my  eyes.  The  scene  combined,  in  itself, 
objects  singularly  discordant,  and  produced  correspondino- 
sensations.  At  one  time  I  laughed  at  the  absurd  outer  appear- 
ance of  some — at  another  time  I  was  shocked  at  the  painful, 
heart-rending  appearance  of  others.  My  mind  was  bewil- 
dered ;  alternately  I  was  pleased  and  disgusted — pleased  at 
the  novelty,  and  disgusted  at  the  absurdity  of  what  I  saw. 

"The  interest  which  I  felt  in  beholding  the  beauties  of 
natm-e,  and  the  beauties  of  the  busy  world,  was  increased 
by  the  recollections  which  history  afforded  me.  I  was  in 
a  part  of  the  old  Eoman  Empire — a  part  rendered  more 
conspicuous  by  the  opposition  of  the  nations  themselves,  to 


160         MEMOm  OF  ALEXANDER  MCLEOD,  D.D. 

the  hosts  of  that  gigantic  power.  I  was  in  a  part  of  the 
Moorish  Empire — an  empire  grand  and  commanding  in  its 
day — of  whose  former  greatness  there  are  many  vestiges, 
even  in  the  ruins  which  have  withstood  the  ravages  of  time 
for  six  centuries,  scattered  throughout  the  Peninsula,"  &c. 

Thus  the  Doctor  proceeds  at  considerable  length,  with 
most  graphic  delineation  of  scenes,  natural,  civil,  and  ecclesi- 
astical, in  a  manner  very  interesting.  He  thus  closes  his 
long  epistle : 

"  And  now,  my  dear  friend,  I  can  only  add,  that  memory 
oftentimes  recalls  the  past,  and  awakens  the  tenderest  feelings. 
I  will  not  say  all  I  meant  to  say — for  I  must  not  give  way 
to  melancholy  or  dejection  of  spirits,  sufficient  to  say,  I  bear 
my  dear  people  upon  my  heart,  as  also  my  dear  friends.  I 
•cherish  you  all  in  my  recollections.  I  remember  you  in  the 
exercises  of  devotion.  To  have  such  a  people  and  such  a 
friend,  soothes  the  distress  of  sej)aration — to  merit  them, 
makes  me  tremble.  God  bless  you,  and  be  with  you.  Oh, 
may  he  make  you  a  blessing  to  my  flock,  and  reward  you 
for  your  labor  of  love,  and  your  work  of  faith. 

"  Remember  me  to  them  and  to  the  worthy  and  estimable 
elders  and  deacons  of  my  church,  to  Dr.  Mason,  Dr. 
Miller,  if  he  be  yet  in  ISTew  York,  to  Mr.  Eowan,  Mr. 
Woodhull,  Mr.  Matthews,  &c.  I  remember  them  all  with 
a  deep  and  tender  interest.  Forget  me  not  to  any  of  m}^ 
peoj)le.     They  are  all  dear  to  me. 

"This  letter  is  intended  for  such  of  my  friends  as  I 
promised  to  write  to  from  time  to  time.  I  cannot  write  to 
more  than  you,  and  wish  you  to  consider  yom*self  as  the 
medium  of  conveying  this  letter  to  them.  I  wish  it  were 
more  worthy  of  the  trouble  you  must  take  and  the  time  you 


FIDELITY   AND  CONFIDENCE.  IGl 

will  spend  in  reading  it.     As  it  is,  accept  it  as  a  voluntary 
offering  of  friendsliip.     Adien. 

"  Yours  in  tlie  best  bonds, 

"John  B.  Eomeyn." 

Tliis  letter  bears  tlie  impress  of  tlie  Christian,  the  scholar, 
and  the  gentleman — possessing  cultivated  intellect,  refined 
taste,  and  talents  of  nice  and  accurate  observation.  In  Dr. 
McLeod's  fidelity  and  discretion,  he  reposes  the  fullest  confi- 
dence. He  leaves  under  his  charge,  his  very  interesting 
flock,  with  a  perfect  assm-ance  that  their  best  interests,  and 
those  of  their  absent  pastor,  to  the  utmost  of  his  power  will 
be  attended  to,  as  if  they  were  his  own.  There  is  a  moral 
beauty,  a  celestial  excellence,  on  both  sides,  investing  this 
transaction,  which  challenges,  and  pleases  contemplation. 

Collaterally  with  all  these  multifarious  avocations,  the 
Theological  Seminary,  located,  as  has  been  seen,  in  Phila- 
delphia, engaged  much  of  Dr.  McLeod's  attention.  He 
never  lost  sight  of  its  interests.  He  cherished  its  students, 
treated  them  with  marked  kindness,  and  discovered  an 
increasing  solicitude  about  its  welfare  and  success.  This 
institution  was  succeeding  as  well  as  could  reasonably  be 
expected.  The  number  had  increased  and  the  proper 
literature  of  the  seminary  had  been  successfully  prosecuted. 

The  superintendents  of  the  seminary  made  aj)plication  to 
Synod  requesting  their  sanction  for  the  recognition  of  an 
applicant  for  admission,  Mr.  Samuel  Eobinson,  who  had 
never  graduated  in  College.  The  Synod  ordered  the  super- 
intendents to  examine  Mr.  Robinson,  and  act  as  their  own 
judgment  should  direct,  in  accordance  with  the  constitution 
of  the  seminary.  Tliis  gentleman,  together  with  Messrs. 
John  Gibson,  Francis  S.  Beattie,  and  Samuel  W".  Crawford, 
who  were  found  in  the  same  predicament  with  him,  with 


162  MEMOIK   OF   ALEXANDER   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

regard  to  graduation,  on  examination,  were  all  admitted  as 
students  in  the  institution. 

Tlie  superintendents  now  found  the  number  of  students 
sufficiently  large  to  require  classification  according  to  the 
co^istitution. 

The  students  of  the  first  class,  viz.  Messrs.  Johnston, 
Beattie,  Gibson,  and  Crawford,  were  severally  called  upon 
for  the  essays,  which  had  been  previously  assigned  to 
them  by  the  professor.  They  were  all,  with  the  exception 
of  Mr.  Beattie,  who  was  absent,  examined  on  the  proper 
literature  belonging  to  their  class,  and  in  all  their  examina- 
tions and  exhibitions  acquitted  themselves  to  the  entire 
satisfaction  of  the  Board,  and  aiforded  pleasing  specimene  of 
future  usefulness  in  the  church  of  God. 

The  students  of  the  second  class,  viz.  Messrs.  Samuel  Wylie 
and  John  Canon,  delivered  discourses  as  specimens  of  pulpit 
eloquence.  They  were  also  examined  on  Metaphysics,  Men- 
tal Philosophy,  Logic,  &c.,  and  acquitted  themselves  in  a 
respectable  manner,  brightening  the  anticipations  of  the 
church. 

The  students  of  the  third  class,  viz. :  Messrs.  Lusk,  Gill, 
"Wallace  and  Kobinson,  were  severally  called  upon  to  deliver 
discom-ses  on  Systematic  and  Polemical  Theology,  pursuing 
the  plan  laid  down  in  the  Testimony  of  the  church.  In  all 
these  specimens  of  trial,  they  gave  such  satisfaction  to  the 
Board,  that  they  gave  them  an  honorable  certificate  of  dis- 
mission from  the  studies  of  the  seminary,  and  returned  them 
to  the  Synod  to  be  at  their  disposal  for  licensure. 

Such  was  the  result  of  this  examination  by  the  superin- 
tendents, preparatory  to  the  report  to  Synod,  to  which  were 
appended  the  names  of  the  Chairman  and  Clerk. 

Alex.  McLeod,  Chairman^ 
John  Black,  Cleric. 


tee:ming  pen.  163 

The  Synod  received  and  approved  the  report  of  the  super- 
intendents and  referred  Messrs.  Liisk,  Gill,  Wallace  and 
Kobinson,  to  the  middle  Presbytery  for  trials  and  licensure. 
They  were  all  licensed  and  reported  to  the  next  meeting  of 
Synod. 

Dr.  McLeod's  Lectm-es  on  the  Apocalyptic  Prophecies, 
mentioned  above,  issued  from  the  press,  in  the  month  of  Feb- 
ruary, 1814.  They  gave  great  satisfaction  to  an  extensive 
class  of  intelligent  readers.  To  the  no  small  disappointment 
of  the  public,  the  author's  multiplicity  of  ministerial  duties, 
together  with  elaborate  discussions  of  other  interesting  sub- 
jects, suggested,  and  in  some  measure  demanded  by  the 
complexion  of  the  times,  prevented  him  from  completing 
his  plan  of  exposition  of  the  Eevelation.  The  interruption 
of  the  pacific  relations  with  Great  Britain,  which  had  then 
taken  place,  and  the  attempts  of  an  anti-belligerent  faction  to 
paralyze  the  arm  of  the  general  government,  induced  the 
Doctor  to  deliver  a  series  of  discourses  on  "  The  Chaeactek, 
Causes  akd  Ends  of  the  (then)  Peesent  "Wak."  They  were, 
by  request,  committed  to  the  press;  and  so  extensive  was 
the  demand  for  them,  that  they  soon  ran  through  a  second 
edition.  Shortly  after  this  he  delivered  and  subsequently 
published  a  series  of  discourses  on  the  I^ATrnE  of  Teue  God- 
LESTEss.  Besides  these  two  octavo  volumes,  periodicals,  both 
religious  and  political,  teemed  with  the  productions  of  his 
pen,  adapted  with  great  tact  to  the  exigencies  of  the  occasion, 
l^umbers  of  these  shall  be  hereafter  noticed ;  but  are  here 
merely  referred  to,  as  in  some  manner  explanatory  why  the 
Lectm-es  on  the  Apocalypse  were  never  completed. 

This  able  work  of  Dr.  McLeod,  has  been  reviewed  by 
several  hands  in  Great  Britain.  In  the  "  Christicm  Mejposi- 
tory^''  year  1816 — only  part  of  which  has  met  the  eye  of  the 


164         MEMOIE  OF  ALEXANDER  MCLEOD,  D.D. 

wi'iter.  In  tliis  part  tlie  animadversions  are  sometimes 
unjust^  and  even  when  passable  on  tliis  score,  savor  of  asper- 
ity and  mikindness.  In  the  "  Christian  Magazine^''  1817, 
also  there  is  a  review  of  these  Lectures.  It  is  pretty  exten- 
sive, consisting  of  forty-two  octavo  pages,  closely  printed. 
This  review,  however,  is  rather  a  lirief  exjposition  itself  on 
the  Apocalyptic  predictions.  The  author's  remarks  are  sober, 
temperate  and  generally  jndicions. 

Of  these  Lectures,  at  the  request  of  the  writer,  a  review 
has  been  obtained  from  the  Rev.  Dr.  Black  of  Pittsburg  ; 
which,  together  with  one  on  the  War  Sermons,  procured 
in  the  same  manner,  from  the  pen  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Mc- 
Master,  will  be  introduced  in  this  memoir,  in  the  proper 
place. 


LECTURES   ON   THE  PROPHECIES.  165 


CHAPTEE    X. 
1S14. 

Review  of  the  Lectures  on  the  Revelation.    By  John  Black,  D.  D. 

Among  tlie  various  tlieological  writings  of  Dr.  McLeod, 
his  Lectures  on  tlie  principal  prophecies  of  the  Eevelation 
occupy  a  prominent  pL^ce.     Ayailiug  himself  of  the  labors 
of  those  who  had  gone  before  him,  and  aided  by  the  light 
shed  upon  the  prophecies  contained  in  this  important  and 
mysterious  book,  by  the  fulfillment  of  many  of  them,  his, 
acute  and  penetrating  mind  has  been  enabled  to  correct 
many  inaccurate  views  which  had  heretofore  been  taken  of 
parts  of  them ;  and  to  give  a  more  lucid  and  correct  inter- 
pretation than  any  which  has  hitherto    appeared  in  the 
Christian  church.     Li  this  memoir,  however,  nothing  more 
can  be  done  than  to  present  a  brief  outline  of  this  important 
work,  with  occasionally  a  passing  remark.     The  author  very 
justly  views  the  Book  of  the  Eevelation  as  the  prospective 
history  of  the  church  of  God,  from  the  period  in  which  it 
was  made  to  John  in  the  isle  of  Patmos  to  the  end  of  the 
world.     Connecting  the  prophecies  of  Daniel  with  the  Book 
of  the  Eevelation,  he  has  given  an  outline  of  the  history  of 
the  moral  world,  in  the  order,  and  within  the  period,  con- 
templated  in  these    inspired   writings.     And,   in    thirteen 
lectures  upon  the  principal  prophecies  of  this  book,  he 


166  MEMOIE   OF   ALEXANDER  MCLEOD,    D.D. 

gives  an  exposition  at  once  luminous,  natural,  and  inte- 
resting. 

In  his  introductory  lecture,  tlie  author  lays  before  us — 
The  true  nature  and  design  of  the  prophecy — ^The  character 
of  its  style,  and — The  proper  mode  of  its  interpretation; 
together  with  the  several  uses  to  which  it  is  subservient. 

"  The  Prophecy"  is  the  characteristic  name  which,  by 
divine  inspiration,  is  given  to  the  book  which  closes  the 
canon  of  Scripture.  It  contains,  it  is  true,  like  other  parts 
of  the  sacred  volume,  precepts,  promises,  doctrines,  &c. ; 
yet,  so  great  a  proportion  of  it  is  devoted  to  a  prediction 
of  the  future,  as  to  justify  the  application  of  this  title  to  the 
whole  work.  The  word  ^^rojpliecy  is  used,  says  the  author, 
both  in  Scripture  and  in  common  discourse,  with  some 
latitude  of  signification ;  but  it  is  not  difiicult  to  discover 
its  proper  meaning.  In  the  l!Tew  Testament,  it  is  applied 
to  any  declaration  delivered  by  the  inspiration  of  the  Holy 
Ghost,  but  it  principally  signifies  the  prediction  by  inspira- 
tion of  future  events.  The  true  idea  of  prophecy  is  the 
prediction,  by  divine  inspiration,  of  future  events,  not  fore- 
seen by  human  sagacity.  The  prophetic  system  is  but  the 
prospective  history  of  the  mediatorial  kingdom  of  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ  (the  author  means  his  church — the  Mngdom 
not  of  this  world,  in  the  midst  of  his  universal  empire) ; 
and  it  embraces  nothing  else  but  for  the  sake  of  its  con- 
nection with  this  object.  Indeed,  independently  of  this,  the 
history  of  nations,  of  wars,  and  of  revolutions,  never  would 
have  found  a  jjlace  in  the  sacred  oracles. 

The  character  of  the  prophetic  style,  and  the  rule  of 
interpretation.  The  prophetic  style,  the  Doctor  considers, 
contrary  to  the  opinion  of  some  expositors,  not  to  be  essen- 
tially difi'erent  from  that  of  the  other  parts  of  Divine  Eeve- 


RULES  OF  INTEEPEETATION.  167 

lation.  He  admits  that  it  is  highly  figurative,  Lut  not  more 
so  than  the  descriptive  parts  of  the  sacred  vohime.  The 
j)rincipal  sources  from  which  the  Apocalypse  draws  its 
imagery  are,  the  natural  world,  the  history  contained  in  the 
Scriptm*es  of  the  Old  Testament,  and  the  ecclesiastical 
polity  of  the  Jews,  including  both  the  temple  service  and 
the  synagogue.  An  intimate  acquaintance  with  all  these 
is  necessary  for  the  proper  understanding  the  language  of 
the  prophecy  of  this  book.  But  much  more  is  necessary  to 
understand  the  x)r(ypTieGij  itself^  and  be  able  to  apply  the 
prediction  to  its  proper  event.  The  event  itself  must  be 
understood ;  a  knowledge  of  true  religion,  as  differing  from 
mere  forms  of  godliness,  from  priestcraft  and  superstition, 
must  be  had,  together  with  a  due  measure  of  acquaintance 
with  history,  civil  and  ecclesiastical.  All  this,  the  author 
assures  us,  is  necessary  to  a  right  understanding  of  the  Apoc- 
alyptical predictions.  If  this  be  true,  and  that  it  is  we  have 
not  a  doubt,  there  is  no  wonder  that  the  Book  of  the  Eeve- 
lation  is  not  generally  well  understood. 

The  rules  of  interpretation  laid  down  by  the  author  are 
few,  simple,  and  natural.  They  arc  four  in  number.  The 
first,  is  to  ascertain,  from  the  connection,  the  subject  which 
the  prophecy  has  under  consideration ;  and  whatever  may 
be  the  pei-son  or  thing  referred  to,  let  it  be  contemplated, 
not  in  a  detached  character,  but  as  connected  with  the 
entire  system  of  which  it  is  a  part. 

Second.  Consider  from  what  source  the  symbol  or  symbols 
used  in  the  prophecy  are  derived. 

Third.  Consider  the  place  which  the  symbol  employed 
in  the  j)rophecy  literally  occupies,  and  the  uses  which  it 
answers  in  the  system  from  which  it  has. been  selected. 

Fourth.  Apply  the  figure,  according  to  correct  analogy. 


168        MEMOIK  OF  ALEXAKDEE  MCLEOD,  D.D. 

to  the  corresponding  part  of  that  subject  of  which  the 
prophecy  treats.  If  these  rules  be  carefully  attended  to, 
there  is  little  doubt  but  a  correct  interpretation  of  the 
prophecy  will  be  given. 

In  the  third  part  of  his  division,  the  author  specifies  and 
illustrates  four  important  uses  which  the  study  of  this  pro- 
phecy answers.  1.  It  excites  our  faith  and  patience,  our 
hope  and  zeal,  in  the  service  of  God. 

2.  It  is  a  standing  miracle  in  support  of  the  divine  inspir- 
ation of  the  Holy  Scriptures.     Indeed,  all  prophecy  is  so. 

3.  The  Apocalyptical  prophecy  supplies  additional  proof 
to  the  doctrine  of  the  Divine  Providence  and  decrees. 

4.  The  Book  of  Revelation  is  useful  in  furnishing  a  con- 
tinual warning  to  Christians  to  separate  themselves  from  all 
anti-Christian  connections.  It  exhibits  the  grand  apostacy 
of  the  Roman  Empire  in  all  its  horrors. 

In  his  second  lecture,  Rev.  i  19,  the  author  proceeds  to 
give  an  outline  of  the  contents  of  the  Apocalypse. 

The  general  arrangement  of  its  several  parts  is  laid  down 
in  the  command — "  "Write  the  things  which  thou  hast  seen, 
and  the  things  which  are,  and  the  things  which  shall  be 
hereafter."  His  remarks  on  the  division  laid  down  in  the 
text  are  logically  correct  and  appropriate.  The  rule  that, 
in  a  division,  one  part  may  not  involve  another,  is  strictly 
attended  to.  The  things  which  thou  hast  seen,  and  the  things 
which  are,  and  the  things  which  shall  he  hereafter,  are  all 
distinguished  from  each  other,  and  must  not  be  confounded. 
Correct  method  is  important.  The  things  which  the  beloved 
disciple  had  seen,  refer  to  the  vision  with  which  he  had 
already  been  favored,  recorded  from  the  twelfth  to  the 
seventeenth  verse.  This  very  interesting  vision,  says 
our  author,  is  happily  introductory  to  each  of  the  other 


HISTORY.  169 

general  divisions  of  the  Apocalypse.  The  seven  golden 
candlesticks,  emblematical  of  the  seven  clmrches,  in  the 
midst  of  which  was  seen  one  like  nnto  the  Sou  of  Man, 
arrayed  as  the  glorious  High  Priest  of  onr  profession,  is  a 
striking  representation  of  the  Eedeemer  of  the  church, 
exalted  above  all  creatures ;  God-man,  says  om'  author, 
persevering  and  sanctifying  his  churches,  and  directing  the 
angels  or  ministers,  and  promoting  the  glory  of  the  Godhead 
by  securing  our  salvation. 

The  second  part  of  the  division,  tliQ  things  which  are^ 
embraces  the  second  and  third  chapters.  The  things  which 
a/re,  describe  seven  churches,  then  existing  in  pro-consular 
Asia,  to  whom  John  is  directed  to  address  seven  epistles, 
one  to  each,  as  dictated  by  the  Holy  Spirit.  After  some 
excellent  remarks  on  the  uses  and  pre^^aratory  natm-e  of 
these  epistles,  and  in  what  respects  they,  like  other  scrip- 
tm-es,  may  be  viewed  as  having  a  prospective  reference,  the 
opinion  of  the  author  is,  that  they  are  not  to  be  ranked  with 
the  ^'Ojphecies.  There  have  not  been  wanting,  says  he, 
commentators  who  class  these  seven  epistles  among  the 
predictions  of  future  events — representing  them  as  a  symbol, 
either  of  a  particular  era  of  the  Christian  world,  or  of  some 
great  section  of  the  church  of  God.  This  he  considers  as 
entirely  fanciful,  and  liable  to  many  objections.  He  specifies 
five.  1.  Upon  this  principle  it  would  be  impossible  to  deter- 
mine what  in  scripture  is  history,  and  what,  parable  or 
allegory.  2.  Tlicre  were,  when  the  Apocalj^Dse  was  written, 
situated  in  the  Lesser  Asia,  seven  churches,  in  cities  of  the 
names  set  down  in  this  book ;  and  there  is  no  intimation  in 
the  book  itself,  that  these  were  not  the  communities  intended 
to  be  addressed.  3.  There  is  nothing  in  the  whole  contents 
of  these  epistles  to  forbid  a  literal  interpretation  of  them,  as 

12 


170         MEMOIK  OF  ALEXANDER  MCLEOD,  D.D. 

applicable  to  the  actual  cliurclies  of  Asia.  4.  The  text  of 
this  discourse  certainly  distinguishes  the  things  that  ave^ 
from  the  things  which  shall  he  hereafter — the  description  of 
present  condition  from  the  prediction  of  future  events.  But 
there  is  no  history  left,  if  we  include  the  seven  epistles 
among  the  prophecies.  By  comparing  chapter  i.  19,  with 
chapter  iv.  1,  it  will  readily  appear  that  the  prophetical  part 
of  the  Revelation  does  not  commence  until  the  fourth  chapter. 
Therefore,  these  seven  epistles  are  narrative.  5.  There  is  no 
key  whatever  for  dividing  time  into  seven  distinct  periods, 
bearing  any  resemblance  to  these  epistles.  They  cannot  be 
made  to  apply  to  the  seven  periods  into  which  the  prophetic 
part  is  divided.  History  indeed  affords  such  a  variety  of 
views  of  different  ages,  that  ingenuity  can  devise  some 
periods  resembling  the  Asian  churches.  But  each  prophecy 
has  a  key  of  its  own,  and  we  are  not  to  indulge  fancy  in 
accommodating  history  to  prediction.  Ko  such  key  is  found 
in  the  second  and  third  chapters. 

These  objections,  we  think,  sufficiently  explode  the  fanciful 
exposition  condemned  by  our  author.  Indeed  four  of  them 
were  unnecessary.  The  distinction  in  the  text  is  abund- 
antly sufficient.  The  things  that  are,  might  also  symbolize 
things  that  shall  he  Jiereafter  y  other  parts  of  Divine  Eevela- 
tion  do  so.  The  deliverance  from  Babylon,  by  the  pro- 
clamation of  Cyrus,  had  reference  to  a  still  greater 
deliverance  by  the  proclamation  of  the  gospel.  But  how 
absurd  would  it  be  in  a  division  of  a  subject  to  distinguish 
things  that  shall  he  hereafter,  from  things  that  shall  he 
hereafter.  The  second  head  of  the  division  would  include 
the  third.     We  find  no  such  anomaly  in  the  Bible. 

Tlie  third  part  of  the  division  respects  futurity,  the  things 
that  shall  he  hereafter.    This  part  of  the  Apocalypse,  says 


PKEDICTION.  171 

tlie  author,  commences  witli  tlie  fourtli  chapter.  So  it 
appears,  for  it  is  to  he  ohserved,  that  then,  for  the  first  time, 
a  door  was  opened  in  heamn,  that  future  things  might  he 
presented  to  the  eye  of  the  apostle.  The  several  prophecies 
were  revealed  to  the  Apostle  John  in  fourteen  separate 
visions.  These  were  successively  vouchsafed  to  him  with 
all  the  necessary  means  of  understanding  them,  and  of  faith- 
fully narrating  them  for  our  instruction.  Three  of  these 
visions  relate  to  the  condition  of  the  church  among  the 
nations  of  the  earth  generally,  and  to  the  opposition  made 
from  various  quarters  against  true  religion.  One  of  them 
respects  the  millennium,  and  one  the  state  of  future  glory. 
Wine  are  employed  in  describing  that  most  perplexing  and 
distressing  period,  which  has  usually  been  known  in  the 
church  by  the  designation  Antichristian. 

In  considering  these   prophecies,  the  author  informs  us 
that  he  is  determined  to  follow  the  chain  of  connection  laid 
down  in  the  Eevelation  itself;    the  history  of  the  public 
interest  of  true  religion  in  the  Roman  Empire.     It  connects 
the  predictions  of  the  Old  Testament  prophets,  particularly 
those  of  Daniel  respecting  the  latter  days,  with  the  pros- 
pective history  given  in  this  book.     Tlie  princijjle  which  is 
always  obvious  and  which  gives  unity  to  the  whole  of  the 
prophetic  declarations,  is,  the  connection  between  the  Chris- 
tian religion,  and  social  order  in  the  human  family.     This 
grand  principle,  interesting  in  the  highest  degree,  is  selected 
by  Daniel,  and  after  his  exhibition  of  it,  is  more  laro-ely 
illustrated,  in  its  various  bearings  upon  the  actual  state  of 
the  nations  of  the  earth,  in  tlie  predictions  of  the  book  of 
llevelation. 

The  whole  contents  of  the  prophetical  part  of  the  Revela- 
tion, the  writer  informs  us,  are  divided  into  seven  distinct 


172         MEMOIR  OF  ALEXANDER  MCLEOD,  D.D. 

periods,  viz. — 1.  The  period  of  tlie  seals,  wliicli  respects 
the  history  of  the  Pagan  Koman  Empire,  as  it  is  connected 
with  the  progress  of  the  Christian  religion.  2.  The  period 
of  the  trumpets,  which  respects  the  history  of  the  empire, 
after  Christianity  became  in  name,  but  not  in  spirit  and  in 
truth,  the  established  religion.  3.  The  period  of  the  vials, 
which  represents  the  decline  and  fall  of  the  Antichristian 
empire.  4.  The  period  of  the  millennium,  when  all  social 
institutions  shall  be  sanctitied.  5.  The  period  of  subsequent 
deterioration — of  Gog  and  Magog.  6.  The  period  of  the 
final  judgment.     7.  The  period  of  celestial  glory. 

The  third  lecture  is  on  the  Sealed  Book — Eev.  v.  1-9.  The 
author's  plan  is :    1.  To  explain  the  scenery  employed  in 
bringing  the  sealed  book  to  view.     2.  What  is  signified  by 
opening  this  book — and  then  make  some  concluding  reflec- 
tions.    This  plan  is  judicious,  and  happily  executed.     On 
his  first  head,  the  writer  notices  very  correctly,  the  scenery 
of  the  throne  set  in  heaven — the  glorious  occupant  of  the 
throne — the  Governor  of  the  universe,  exhibited  in  the  glory 
of  his  holiness  by  the  bright  transparent  jasper,  and  in  the 
burning  purity  of  his  justice  by  the  flame-colored  ruby^ — 
the  sardine  stone.  The  rainbow  of  God's  covenant  surrounds 
the  throne,  like  the  green  emerald,  ever  fresh,  and  ever  new. 
It  gives  relief  to  the  eye  beholding  the  splendor  of  divine 
justice,  and  mingles  mercy  with  judgment.  The  one  destroys 
not  the  other,  for  out  of  the  throne  surrounded  with  the 
rainbow,  proceeded  thunderings  and  lightnings — with  God 
is  terrible  majesty.     Seven  lamps  of  fire  were  seen  burning 
before  the  throne,  and  these  are  declared  to  be  the  seven 
spirits  of  God.     They  pointed  out  the  light  of  divine  truth, 
together  with  all  the  other  gifts  and  graces  of  the  Holy 
Ghost.    He  next  notices  in  this  glorious  scenery,  that  there 


THE    SEA    OF   GLASS.  173 

was  a  sea  of  glass  like  unto  crystal,  before  tlie  throne,  repre- 
senting tlie  purifying  influences  of  the  blood  of  Christ.  Tlie 
retinue  of  the  King  come  next  into  view  in  this  celestial 
vision.  Tlie  attendants  are  of  three  classes — faithful  gospel 
ministers,  saints,  and  angels.  In  the  exposition  of  these 
classes,  the  writer  very  properly  follows  their  order  of 
approximation  to  the  throne  of  God.  The  four  beasts,  rather 
living  creatures — the  four-and-twenty  elders,  and  the  angels. 
The  ministers  are  placed  between  other  saints  and  the  throne, 
being  the  official  attendants  upon  their  Lord  and  Saviour. 
'Next  in  order,  ajipear  before  the  Lord  the  King,  the  collec- 
tive body  of  faithful  people,  symbolized  by  their  represen- 
tatives— the  twenty-four  elders,  the  Old  and  !N^ew  Testament 
Church,  united  in  one  assembly.  And  in  a  circle,  embracing 
the  throne,  and  the  living  creatures,  and  the  elders,  apj^eared 
the  third  class  of  attendants — the  holy  angels — about  the 
throne,  indeed,  but  at  a  greater  distance  than  redeemed  men. 
The  finishing  part  of  this  splendid  imagery  represented  in 
the  vision,  is  the  appearance  of  the  Kedeemer,  on  a  most 
momentous  occasion.  In  the  right  hand  of  him  that  sat  on 
the  throne,  was  a  book  written  within  and  on  the  back-side, 
and  sealed  with  seven  seals.  Proclamation  had  been  made 
by  a  strong  angel,  for  any,  who  was  worthy,  to  open  the 
book,  and  loose  the  seals  thereof.  None  among  the  creatures 
of  God  was  found  worthy.  Tliis  filled  the  heart  of  the 
apostle  with  sorrow,  and  his  eyes  with  tears,  believing  as  he 
did,  that  the  sealed  book  contained  the  prospective  history 
of  the  Mediatory  Kingdom,  and  afraid  that  it  should  not  be 
opened.  His  tears,  however,  were  soon  wiped  away,  for  the 
Lion  of  the  tribe  of  Judah,  who  is  also  the  Lamb  of  God,  is 
found  worthy,  and  approaches  the  glorious  occupant  of  the 
throne,  and  amidst  the  songs  and  plaudits  of  all  in  heaven, 
on  earth,  in  the  sea,  and  under  the  earth,  proceeds  to  take 


174  MEMOIK   OF   ALEXANDER   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

the  book,  and  oj)en  tlie  seals  thereof.  The  autlior  views  tlie 
sealed  book  as  a  long  written  roll,  fastened  with  seven 
separate  seals.  Each  of  the  first  six  being  opened  would 
disclose  a  portion  of  the  contents,  and  comparatively  but  a 
small  portion ;  but  on  opening  the  seventh,  the  whole  con- 
tents of  the  roll  would  be  unfolded.  Others  have  thought 
that  the  book  consisted  of  seven  distinct  volumes,  or  parch- 
ments, rolled  one  upon  another,  and  each  sealed  after  it  was 
rolled  up.  It  has  also  been  thought,  that  the  punctuation 
might  be  varied  a  little  with  advantage  to  the  meaning.  By 
placing  the  comma  after  the  word  within,  the  sentence 
would  read,  "  a  book  written  within,  and  on  the  back-side 
sealed  with  seven  seals."  We  shall  not  determine  which 
should  have  the  preference.  Tliis  lecture  concludes  with 
two  excellent  reflections. 

1.  Tlie  vision  of  the  sealed  book  excites  joyful  anticipations 
of  discoveries  elucidating  the  predictions  of  the  elder  pro- 
phets, especially  those  of  Daniel  to  the  captives  in  Baby- 
lon. 

2.  The  subject  calls  for  expressions  of  satisfaction  in  the 
exaltation  of  Jesus  Christ — "worthy  is  the  Lamb  that  was 
slain  to  receive  power  and  riches,  and  honors,  and  glory,  and 
blessing."    This  is  the  song  of  angels  and  redeemed  men. 

Lecture  IV.,  Rev.  vi.  1. — The  Lamb  opening  the  first  seal. 
The  seals,  the  trumpets,  and  the  vials,  present  three  great 
distinct  periods  from  the  apostolical  ago  to  the  time  of  the 
millennium.  As  the  opening  of  the  seventh  seal  includes 
the  whole  period  of  the  trumpets,  and  the  seventh  trumpet 
includes  all  future  time,  the  period  of  the  seals  must  be 
confined  to  the  first  six.  Tliis  period,  according  to  our 
author,  extend  from  the  year  97  to  323,  a  period  of  220 
years.    It  exhibits  the  state  of  the  church,  and  of  the  Eoman 


THE   SEALS.  175 

Empire,  during  the  conflicts  of  Christianity  with  idolatry, 
and  reaches  to  the  time  of  Constantine  the  Great,  when 
paganism  was  overthrown. 

The  author  gives  a  beautiful  and  a  correct  interpretation 
of  the  symbol  exhibited  to  the  apostle,  on  the  opening  of 
the  first  seal.  To  arrest  the  attention,  and  to  mark  his 
authority,  the  first  of  the  living  creatures  cried,  in  a  voice 
of  thunder,  come  and  see.  In  obedience  to  the  command, 
John  attentively  looked,  and  heJiold  a  wliite  horse,  and  he 
that  sat  oil  him  had  a  how,  and  a  ci'own  was  given  to  him : 
and  he  went  forth  conquering  and  to  conqyuer.  The  symbol, 
says  our  author,  can  apply  only  to  the  triumphs  of  the  word 
OF  God.  The-  horse  is  an  emblem  of  the  instruments  God 
employs  in  the  dispensations  of  his  providence,  to  accomplish 
his  purpose.  Wliite  is  the  emblem  of  purity — it  symbolizes 
a  dispensation  of  purity  and  mercy.  The  bow,  and  its 
arrows,  are  the  emblem  of  the  gospel,  and  the  power  of  the 
Spirit,  which  penetrate  into  the  hearts  of  God's  enemies, 
either  to  slay  them  before  him,  or,  destroying  their  enmity, 
to  make  them  a  willing  people  in  the  day  of  his  power.  A 
crown  of  glory  and  of  majesty  was  given  him.  He  rules 
in  his  saints,  and  over  his  enemies,  and  a  succession  of  con- 
quests shall  prepare  the  way  for  his  final  triumphs. 

On  the  opening  of  the  second  seal,  the  apostle  is  called 
as  before,  to  come  and  see.  The  opening  of  the  first  seal 
announced  triumphs,  but  this  announces  sufferings.  The 
author  happily  adverts  to  the  difference,  both  of  the  sym- 
bols, and  manner  of  annunciation.  As  the  fii*st  living  crea- 
ture, the  lion  invited  him  to  behold  the  triumphs  of  the 
cross;  the  second,  like  the  calf  or  0x,  calls  his  attention 
to  that  part  of  the  roll  which  is  now  unfolded.  "  Labor 
and  patience,  similar  to  those  of  an  ox,  are  the  becoming 


176  MEMOIK   OF   ALEXAITOEE   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

characteristics  of  tlie  Christian  ministiy,  in  a  period  of  suf- 
ferings." The  symbol  of  the  dispensation  of  Providence 
now  exhibited,  differs  from  the  former — a  red  horse.  This, 
says  onr  author,  is  the  color  of  blood,  and  indicates  the 
character  of  the  dispensation.  It  was  a  bloody,  or  rather 
a  fiery  one.  The  rider  is  the  same  as  before,  he  who  con- 
ducts the  dispensation  to  its  proper  end.  The  prophecy 
was  accomplished  in  the  terrible  wars  which  were  waged 
within  the  bounds  of  the  empire,  during  the  reigns  of  Trajan 
and  Adrian.  Tlie  Christians  suffered  great  persecution. 
The  place  of  these  bloody  commotions  is  called  the  earth. 
And  jpowev  was  given  to  talce  jpeace  from  the  earth.  "  In 
this  text,"  says  the  author,  "and  in  all  such  connection  in 
this  prophecy,  earth  signifies  the  Roman  empire."  This 
assumption  is  of  vast  importance.  It  certainly  can  be 
established.  Many  mistakes  have  arisen  from  not  attend- 
ing to  it.  It  is  granted,  that  in  Scripture  it  sometimes  sig- 
nifies the  whole  terraqueous  globe,  as  when  the  earth  is  dis- 
tinguished from  the  heavens.  Sometimes  it  signifies  the 
whole  extent  of  dry  land,  as  when  the  earth  is  distinguished 
from  the  sea.  But  in  the  book  of  Eevelation,  it  is  con- 
fined to  the  Roman  Empire ;  and  this  empire  was,  in 
general  estimation,  considered  as  a  universal  empire.  In 
Scripture  acceptation  it  is  so  represented  also — Dan.  vii. 
23,  calls  it  "the  fourth  kingdom  upon  the  earth."  E"ow, 
the  opening  of  the  sealed  book  in  the  Revelation,  is  the 
unfolding  of  the  sealed  prophecy  of  Daniel,  concerning  that 
very  Roman  empire.  It  is  proper,  therefore,  that  the  same 
word,  earthy  should  be  used  in  the  Revelation  as  the  symbol 
of  that  empire.  Indeed  all  the  four  great  empires  have,  in 
their  turn,  been  so  denominated  in  Scripture :  the  Chaldean 
— Dan.  iv.  1;  the  Medo-Persian — ^Ezra,  i.  2;  the  Grecian 


TUE   EOMAN   EMPIRE.  177 

— Dan.  viii.  5.  And  similar  language  is  used  in  tlie  New 
Testament,  respecting  the  Koman — Luke,  ii.  1,  where  it  is 
called  "  all  the  world."  Whenever,  then,  the  word  earth, 
as  the  symbol  of  government,  in  the  hook  of  the  Revelation, 
is  applied  to  America,  or  any  part  of  the  world  except 
the  Koman  Empire,  it  is  a  violation  of  the  symbolical 
language  of  the  prophecy.  During  the  period  of  this  seal, 
the  Christians  suffered  great  pereecution.  It  was  indeed 
a  bloody  dispensation. 

The  third  seal  is  opened  witli  a  similar  call  upon  the 
attention  of  the  beloved  disciple — Come  and  see.  Tlie  liv- 
ing creature  who  makes  this  call  is  said,  chap.  iv.  7,  to 
have  the  face  of  a  man.  "  Correct  reasoning,  and  humane 
feeling,"  says  our  author,  "  are  indicated  by  this  symbol. 
They  are  at  all  times  ornamental  to  the  character  of  the 
Christian  ministry,  but  especially  in  a  time  of  sensible 
afflictions."  And  surely  this  was  a  time  of  sore  suffering. 
The  author  very  justly  explains  the  Uach  horse — the  symbol 
exhibited  on  the  opened  roll,  as  the  emblem  of  famine — 
Sam.  V.  10.  "  Our  skin  was  hlach  like  an  oven,  because  of 
the  terrible  famine.''^  This  is  also  further  confirmed  by  the 
other  symbols.  Tlie  rider  on  the  black  horse,  had  a  imir 
of  halances  in  his  hand.  This  indicates  that  the  necessaries 
of  life  were  very  scarce — Ezek.  iv.  IG.  "I  will  break 
the  staff  of  bread,  and  they  shall  eat  bread  hy  weight — 
and  drink  water  by  measure."  "A  measure  of  wheat  for 
a  penny,"  and  other  grain  in  proportion.  The  measure., 
the  quantity  is  specified  in  the  original,  about  a  pint  and  a 
half.  The  Roman  penny  was  about  fourteen  cents.  The 
wages  of  a  daj'"  laborer  was  a  penny,  or  fourteen  cents. 
This  could  purchase  only  a  pint  and  a  half  of  wheat.  How 
then  could  tlie  day  laborer  and  his  family  be  su2>i)orted? 


178  MEMOIR   OF   ALEXANDER   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

How  great  tlien  must  the  famine  be,  and  liow  mnst  the 
poor  suffer  !  The  rich,  however,  will  not  feel  it.  The  luxu- 
ries of  life  are  exempted  from  this  judgment — -and  see  thou 
hurt  not  the  oil  and  the  wine.  This  famine  lasted  from 
the  year  138,  until  the  time  of  Severus. 

The  opening  of  the  fourth  seal  discloses  a  period  of  still 
greater,  and  more  terrible  dispensation.  "vThe  sword  and 
famine,"  says  the  author,  "are  now  followed  by  the  pesti- 
lence. An  eagle-eyed,  spiritually-minded  ministry,  invites 
us  to  this  scene  of  wo."  The  fourth  living  creature,  who 
was  like  a  flying  eagle,  calls  our  attention  to  the  symbol — a 
pale  horse,  and  his  name  that  sat  on  him  was  Death,  and 
hell  followed  with  him.  "  This  judgment,  which  destroyed 
about  the  fourth  part  of  the  population  of  the  Roman  Em- 
pire, continued  from  211  to  270,  a  period  of  sixty  years." 

The  ojDening  of  the  fifth  seal  presents  a  view  different 
from  the  former.  The  scene  is  laid  in  hea,ven.  "By  the 
preceding  persecutions,"  says  our  author,  "  a  vast  number 
of  Christians  suffered  martyrdom."  The  principal  perse- 
cutions of  that  period,  are  noticed  by  the  author.  "  The 
peculiar  design  of  the  fifth  seal,"  he  observes,  "  is  to  illus- 
trate doctrines  of  vast  importance  to  the  church."  There 
are  chiefly,  the  fact  that  the  soul  continues  to  exist,  and 
enjoy  a  state  of  conscious  activity  after  death,  in  opposition 
to  the  wild  idea  of  the  materialists,  that  death  afiects  the 
soul  as  well  as  the  body;  that  beings  perfect  in  holiness 
and  happiness,  may  earnestly  desire  to  behold  just  judgments 
executed  upon  the  ungodly  persecutors — and  consequently, 
that  Christians  may  consistently  pray  for  the  punishment 
of  the  enemies  of  the  church.  And,  lastly,  it  exhibits  the 
principle  of  retaliation,  as  a  part  of  the  system  of  God's 
moral  government.     Of  course,  it  may  be  expected,  that 


CONSTANTINE. 


1Y9 


not  only  indiviclnab,  but  also  communities,  will  be  dealt 
Avith  according  to  the  law  of  righteous  retribution.  The 
time  when  this  event  shall  come  to  pass,  is  shown  to  be 
when  Antichristian  Kome  shall  have  completed  her  perse- 
cutions. 

The  opening  of  the  sixth  seal  exhibits  a  view  awfully  grand 
and  terrible.  All  nature  appears  in  a  state  of  dissolution. 
The  scenery  is  borrowed  from  the  Scripture  description  of  the 
day  of  judgment.  But  it  is  not  the  day  of  judgment  itself 
that  is  described,  but  the  "judgment,"  says  our  author, 
"which  it  pleased  God  to  inflict  upon  the  Roman  Empire,  in 
which  paganism,  and  its  persecuting  supporters,  were  over- 
thrown. To  this  event  alone  the  prophecy,  in  chronological 
order,  can  Avith  propriety  be  applied.  "  In  all  its  parts,  the 
prediction  is  accomplished  in  that  great  revolution  which 
took  place  under  Constantine,  the  first  of  the  emperors  who 
professed  the  Christian  religion. 

The  fifth  seal  did  not  take  up  any  portion  of  time.  Hence, 
says  our  author,  the  events  predicted  under  this  sixth  seal, 
in  course  of  time,  must  follow  upon  those  predicted  under 
the  fourth  seal.  The  earthquake,  or  rather  the  concnssio7i, 
afi'ected  the  political  heavens  and  earth.  The  sun,  the 
emblem  of  supreme  pagan  imperial  power — the  7noo?i  and 
the  stars,  the  other  great  departments  of  state,  were  eclipsed 
or  hurried  from  their  orbits.  The  heavens  departed  as  a  scroll 
which  is  folded  vp — the  whole  frame  of  government  was  itself 
altered,  and  rendered  subordinate  to  the  Christian  faith. 
The  author,  very  justly,  considers  the  government  under 
Constantine,  as  still  leastly,  although  nominally  Christian. 
He  assumed  the  supreme  power  over  the  Church,  and 
modelled  it  according  to  the  forms  which  he  introduced  into 
the  State.     State  religions,  generally,  are  made  to  serve  a 


180  IMEMOLR   OF   ALEXANDER   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

political  turn.  They  for  the  most  part,  usurp  a  spiritual 
supremacy  over  tlie  conscience.  The  power  assumed  by 
Constantine  over  the  church,  althoua-h  it  2:ave  her  rest  from 
pagan  persecution,  was  nevertheless  tyrannical.  The  revolu- 
tion effected  by  him  puts  an  end  to  the  period  of  the  seals. 

Lecture  Y,,  Rev.  viii.  1. — The  Larrib  opening  the  Seventh 
Seal. — In  this  lecture,  the  author  proposes  to  explain  the 
preface  to  the  trumpets,  give  the  rules  of  interpretation, 
and  show  the  interpretation  of  the  first  four  trumpets.  This 
plan  is  judicious.  (1)  The  introduction  to  the  period  of  the 
trumpets.  This  part  of  the  prophetical  history  is  prefaced 
with  great  solemnity  :  on  opening  the  seventh  seal  there  was 
silence  in  heaven  ahout  the  space  of  half  an  hour.  After  the 
establishment  of  the  Christian  religion,  they  enjoyed  a 
respite  from  persecution,  but  it  was  of  short  duration.  "  The 
seven  angels,"  says  our  author,  "  stand  before  their  God,  and 
receive  from  him  the  trumpets,  which  shall  speedily  put  an 
end  to  the  silence  which  now  reigns."  Jesus,  the  angel  of 
the  everlasting  covenant,  appears  with  a  golden  censer,  in 
which  is  the  nmch  incense — the  fullness  of  his  merit  in  the 
discharge  of  his  priestly  office,  with  which  he  perfumes  the 
prayers  and  services  of  all  his  saints,  and  renders  them 
acceptable  unto  God.  And  the  same  censer  he  flls  loith 
fire  and  casts  it  into  the  earth,  and  then  follow  voices,  and 
thwiderings,  and  lightnings,  and  an  earthqiialce — the  awful 
emblems  of  direful  judgments,  speedily  to  be  inflicted  upon 
the  Roman  Empire.  "  Tlie  censer,"  says  the  author,  which 
conveyed  the  incense  to  the  sanctuary,  is  the  instrument  of 
torture  to  the  guilty." 

(2)  The  rules  of  interpretation.  In  these  rules  the  author 
is  rather  difiPuse.     Rules,  like  definitions,  should  be  short, 


THE   TRUMPETS.  181 

comprehensive  and  definite.  The  first  respects  the  time  or 
period  of  the  trumpets.  The  seventh  seal,  which  inchides  them 
all,  the  author  has  shown,  succeeded  the  era  of  Constantine. 
The  last  of  the  seven  trumpets  is  sounded  before  the  com- 
mencement of  the  millennium,  Eev.  xi.  15.  The  period  of 
the  trumpets  must,  therefore,  be  found  somewhere  between 
the  time  of  the  overthrow  of  Pagan  Rome,  and  the  over- 
throw of  Antichristian  power,  before  the  reign  of  the  saints 
commences.  Rule  2.  We  must  distinctly  understand  the 
object  in  view— the  definite  system  of  events  of  which  the 
predictions  treat.  This,  according  to  the  author,  and  we 
think  he  rightly  judges,  is  the  Roman  Empire,  in  its  present 
complex  ecclesiastical  political  form.  This  is  the  proper 
object  of  the  judgments  announced  by  the  trumpets.  Rule 
3.  It  will  aid  much  in  giving  a  consistent,  as  well  as  the 
true  interpretation,  to  affix  correct  ideas  to  the  symbol  which 
gives  its  designation  to  this  period.  To  sound  a  trumpet  was 
a  familiar  phrase  for  calling  forth  to  battle.  If  the  trumpet 
give  an  uncertain  sound,  icJw  shall  i^rejyare  himself  to  the 
hattle. 

The  first  trampet.  Rev.  viii.  7.—"  Tlie  first  angel  sounded, 
and  there  followed  hail  and  fire  mingled  witli  blood,— and 
the  third  part  of  trees  was  burnt  up,"  &c.  This,  says  our 
author,  points  out  savage  warfare  bursting  from  a  distaiice 
upon  the  various  parts  of  the  empire  in  frequent  and  des- 
tructive showers.  The  western  Roman  Empire  was  consi- 
dered as  the  third  part  of  the  world.  The  trees  and  the 
grass  are  men  of  high  and  low  degree. 

After  the  death  of  Theodosius,  the  northern  hordes  of  mil- 
itary barbarians  made  an  irruption  into  the  civilized  provinces 
of  the  empire,  and  laid  all  waste  before  them.  The  second 
trumpet,  ver.  8  and  9,  a  great  mountain  burning  with  fre 


182  MEMOIR   OF   ALEXANDER   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

was  cast  into  the  sea^  &c.  Tlie  object  of  this  judgment,  says 
our  author,  is  tlie  sea  of  the  Roman  world.  This  symbol 
represents  many  people  and  nations  connected  in  one  body 
politic,  in  a  dissolute  and  commoved  condition.  Thus  it  is 
distinguished  from  the  solid  earth,  which  represents  the 
population  of  the  empire  in  a  compact  and  quiescent  state. 
The  judgment  itself  is  a  'biirning  mountain.  A  mountain 
is  the  symbol  of  great  and  established  power — Zech.  iv.  T. 
This  power  was  Genseric  with  his'Yandals,  who  sailed  from 
the  burning  shores  of  Africa,  and  invaded  Eome.  The  city 
fell  an  easy  prey  into  their  hands.  The  western  empire  did 
not  long  survive  the  effects  of  this  burning  mountain. 
Trumpet  third — ver.  10,  11.  And  there  fell  a  great  star  from 
heaven^  &g.  The  object  of  this  judgment  is  the  symbolical 
-waters — the  people  in  the  several  provinces — not  the  sea, 
but  the  rivei's  and  fountains.  The  heaven  of  the  Roman 
system,  is  the  whole  frame  of  its  government.  A  great  star 
is  a  distinguished  officer  of  the  government.  This  star  was 
Momyllus,  or  Augustulus,  the  last  emperor  of  the  Romans, 
whose  fall  put  an  end  to  the  very  name  of  the  western 
empire.  Ti-umpet  fourth — verse  12.  The  third  part  of  the 
sun  was  smitten,  (&g.  The  fourth  augcl,  says  the  author, 
predicts  a  very  general  obscuration  of  the  lights  of  the 
empire.  It  was  in  the  year  476  that  Augustulus  fell  from 
his  throne.  But  the  ancient  frame  of  government  still 
remained  for  a  considerable  time.  It  was  not  until  the  year 
566,  that  Italy  was  reduced  to  a  provincial  form  by  the 
emperor  of  the  East,  and  the  whole  form  of  Roman  govern- 
ment was  abolished.  But  amidst  all  the  revolutions  which 
desolate  the  nations.  Christians  have  ample  grounds  of  hope 
and  confidence.  The  Saviour  reigns.  The  generation  of  his 
children  s^all  be  saved. 


MAHOMET.  183 

Lecture  VL,  Rev.  ix.  1, — A7id  the  fifth  angel  sounded^ 
and  I  saw  a  star  fall  from  heaven  unto  the  earth,  d;c. — In 
this  chapter,  says  the  author,  wc  have  the  j^rophetic  history 
of  the  hast  part  of  the  second  period  inchuling  two  of  tlie  woe 
trumpets,  being  the  fifth  and  sixth.  The  line  of  chronologi- 
cal order,  says  our  author,  is,  in  the  first  instance,  followed 
from  the  fourth  trumpet,  to  the  eastern  Roman  Empire.  For 
it  was  more  interesting  to  the  church  of  God,  to  know  the 
condition  of  the  East,  because  the  emperor  of  the  East  was 
still  the  principal  power,  and  for  other  reasons  which  he 
specifies.  He  notices,  particularly,  the  fallen  star  ojyening 
tlie  pit — the  loctists  issuing  from  the  smoTce  of  thejnt — their 
king  Ajpollyon — their  depredations,  and  the  time  of  these 
depredations.  With  great  propriety,  we  think,  he  considers 
the  fallen  star  to  be  the  monk  Sergius,  called  by  the  Arabian 
writers  Bahira,  a  degraded  minister  of  the  Christian  church. 
The  locusts  are  the  Koran.  The  king,  the  destroyer,  is 
Mahomet. 

The  depredations  of  the  locusts  are  limited  to  that  class  of 
people  who  have  not  the  seal  of  God  orv  their  foi'eheads. 
The  time,  five  months.  A  month,  in  prophetic  style,  is 
thirty  years ;  of  course,  five  months  will  be  150  years. 
This  trumpet,  according  to  the  author,  is  very  properly 
explained  of  the  woe  caused  by  the  Mahometan  Saracens,  for 
the  space  of  150  years  after  the  rise  of  their  false  prophet. 
One  woe  is  past ;  and  hehold  there  came  two  woes  more  here- 
after. The  second  woe  is  announced  in  verses  13-31,  by  the 
sounding  of  the  sixth  trumpet.  The  command  to  loose  the 
four  angels  ichich  are  hound  in  the  great  river  JE/uphratcs  is 
immediately  obeyed.  These  four  angels,  thus  set  at  liberty 
to  bring  the  second  woe,  are  the  four  Sultanies  of  the  Turks. 
These  were  seated  in  their  respective  capitals,  Bagdad, 
Damascus,  Aleppo,  and  Iconium.     The  specified  time  of 


18-i  MEMOIR   OF   ALEXANDER   MCLEOD,   D.D. 

their  conquests,  according  to  prophetic  style,  is  391  years 
and  fifteen  days.  Their  armies  were  an  immense  multitude, 
200,000,000.  The  dress  of  their  horsemen,  and  the  use  of 
gunpowder,  introduced  under,  the  sixth  trumpet,  are  repre- 
sented in  symbolical  language.  Rev.  ix.  17.  The  conse- 
quences of  the  terrible  ravages  of  these  ferocious  Mahom- 
etans were  not  salutary,  and  produced  no  reformation 
among  those  that  were  left.  The  rest  of  the  men  which 
were  not  hilled  hy  these  jplagues,  yet  rejKnted  not.  The 
author  concludes  this  lecture  by  drawing  a  parallel  between 
the  creed  of  the  Mussulman  and  that  of  the  Socihians, 
clearly  showing  that  there  is  a  remarkable  coincidence 
between  them,  reverting  to  the  progress  of  the  great  power, 
which  is  at  present  the  principal  support  of  Mahometan 
delusion,  deserving  particular  attention,  as  the  1260  years 
of  its  prevalence  against  true  religion  are  drawing  near  an 
end,  and  calling  upon  Christians  carefully  to  distinguish 
true  religion  from  every  other  system. 

Lecture  YII.' — ^The  seventh  trumpet — Eev.  xi.  14-19. 
The  third  woe  corneth  quicTdy.  The  sounding  of  the 
seventh  trumpet  predicts  happy  times,  the  Jcingdoms  of 
this  loorld  hecome  the  Tcingdoms  of  our  Lord  and  of  his 
Christ. — ^The  author  proposes,  in  this  lecture,  to  settle  the 
time  of  the  third  woe,  to  unfold  the  contents  of  its  pre- 
dictions, and  make  appropriate  animadversions.  The  time. 
— The  period  of  the  seventh  trumpet  ushers  in  the  millen- 
nium. But  it  is  evident  that  great  and  terrible  judg- 
ments precede  that  happy  period.  These  are  repre- 
sented by  lightnings,  and  'voices,  and  thunderings,^  &c. 
The  object  of  all  the  trumpets  is  the  punishment  and 
demolition  of  the  great  Roman  Empire.  This  object,  says 
the  author,  had  been  in  fact,  effected  under  the  first  four 


SEVENTH   TKUMPET.  185 

trumpets,  so  far  as  it  respected  the  Latin  imperial  power, 
and  as  it  respected  the  eastern  empire,  tlie  object  had  been 
fully  accomplished  in  the  judgments  of  the  two  succeeding 
trumpets.  The  Antichristian  Roman  Empire  is  the  object 
of  the  third  woe.  The  narrative  of  the  trumpets  proceeds 
from  chap.  ix.  to  chap.  xi.  14.  The  intervening  portion, 
namely,  chap.  x.  and  xi.  1-13,  may  be  viewed  as  paren- 
thetical, introducing  to  view  that  system  which  is  the 
object  of  the  woe  announced  by  the  sounding  of  the  last 
trumpet. 

The  predictions  of  the  smenth  trumjyet. — ^These  predictions 
respect  the  grand  design  of  the  woe ;  the  joy  which  th^  accom- 
plishment of  that  design  produces ;  and  the  means  employed 
in  bringing  it  to  pass.  The  great  end  accomplished  is  the 
general  reformation  of  the  nations  of  the  earth.  The  hing- 
doms  of  this  world  are  hecome^  &c.  The  kingdoms  of  this 
world  are  the  political  constitutions  which  are  on  earth. 
Still,  the  author  keeps  in  view  that  these  predictions  respect 
those  kingdoms  which  are  found  within  the  precincts  of  the 
old  Roman  Empire.  They  were,  during  the  whole  reign  of 
Antichrist,  of  this  icorld,  as  the  world  is  opposed  to  God 
and  Christ.  But  now  they  are  of  the  Lord  and  of  his 
Christ.  They  are  now,  says  the  author,  professedly  and 
with  understanding,  subject  to  the  law  of  God  and  the 
revelation  of  Jesus  Christ.  They  had  been  called  Christian 
nations :  some  supposed  they  were  Christian  States ;  many 
pretended  that  they  were  so :  but,  in  the  estimation  of  Jesus 
Christ,  they  were  only  ''  kingdoms  of  this  world."  jSTow, 
however,  they  understand,  they  profess,  and  they  support, 
not  a  state  religion,  nor  a  worldly  sanctuary,  but  the  pure 
religion  of  the  Bible,  in  a  consistent  manner. 

The  seventh  trumpet  predicts  great  joy  for  the  general 

13 


186  MEMOIK   OF   ALEXAjN^DEK   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

reformation  consequent  npon  the  third  woe,  verses.  16,  17. 
And  the  four  and  twenty  elders,  &c. — They  who  return 
thanks  in  this  solemn  manner  are  the  collecti've  hody  of 
faithful  men  in  the  church.  Tlie  terrible  scenes  of  the  third 
woe,  with  all  the  barbarities  which  have  been  consequent 
upon  the  French  Eevolution,  are  by  no  means,  says  our 
author,  in  themselves,  cause  of  joy  and  thanksgiving. 
When,  therefore,  the  saints  are  said  to  rejoice  in  them, 
it  is  because  these  judgments  are  in  the  providence  of  God, 
introductory  to  the  millennium.  Tliis,  we  think,  while  it  is 
one  strong  reason,  is  not  the  only  one.  IsTot  only  on  account 
of  the  happy  effects  of  divine  judgments  do  the  saints  rejoice, 
but  also  because  the  attribute  of  divine  justice  is  glorified. 
The  Divine  Being  hereby  shows  that  he  is  the  righteous 
Governor  of  the  universe,  and  faithful  and  true  to  his 
promises,  and  threatenings  also. 

The  means  einrployed  in  executing  the  woe.' — These,  in  as 
far  as  plagues  and  terrible  judgments  are  concerned,  will  be 
more  detailed  afterwards.  The  author  observes  that,  con- 
temporaneously with  the  terrible  woe  of  the  seventh  trumpet, 
extraordinary  efforts  are  successfully  made  to  render  the 
means  of  Christian  knowledge  more  abundant  throughout 
the  world.  The  temple  of  God  was  opened  in  Heaven,  and 
there  was  seen  i^i  his  temj)le  the  arh  of  his  testament. — ^Tlie 
opening  of  the  temple  and  displaying  the  ark  of  Jehovah's 
testament,  plainly  point  out  a  period  of  increasing  Christian 
knowledge ;  a  time  when  God's  gracious  Covenant  with 
man,  in  the  Mediator  Jesus  Christ,  represented  by  the  ark, 
should  be  extensively  made  known,  and  discovered  to  the 
view  of  those  from  whom  it  had  formerly  been  concealed — ■ 
the  mystery  which  had  heen  hid  from  ages  and  from  genera- 
tions.   Now  is  the  time  of  these  wonders.    Bible  societies, 


PKACTICAL   EEMAEKS.  187 

missionaries,  and  otlier  modes  of  diffusing  Christian  know- 
ledge are  now  employed,  far  and  wide,  to  disseminate  the 
knowledge  of  salvation.  The  author  justly  remarks  tliat 
the  oracles  of  the  living  God,  rendered  into  tlie  several 
languages  of  the  world,  are  carried  over  its  territories,  as 
the  sun,  going  forth  from  his  tabernacle,  makes  his  circuit 
to  the  ends  of  heaven :  the  herald  already  stands  on  the 
border  of  every  hostile  empire,  proclaiming  in  the  name  of 
the  great  God,  peace  upon  earth,  and  good-will  towards  men. 
Practical  remarJcs. — Tlie  Christian's  God  reigns  over  the 
nations  of  the  earth,  lie  directs  and  governs,  and  will 
ultimately  be  glorified  in  all  their  revolutions.  He  over- 
rules all  their  sinful  policies  to  his  own  glory,  and  the 
accomplishment  of  his  wise  pni-poses.  Let  his  people  trust 
in  him,  for  amidst  all  troubles  and  agitations  they  shall  be 
safe.  The  disciples  of  the  munificent  Saviour  are  bound  to 
ascertain  the  end  which  he  has  in  view,  and  employ  their 
agency  in  bringing  it  to  pass,  Nothing  can  be  more  honor- 
able than  to  be  serving  and  promoting  the  designs  of  Hea- 
ven. Co-workers  with  God  will  never  labor  in  vain.  The 
political  conduct  of  Christians  in  the  present  age  is  to  be 
lamented.  How  lamentable,  to  see  the  disciples  of  our  Lord 
divided  from  one  another  by  attachments  to  the  contending 
powers,  which  this  woe  will  finally  destroy !  Tliey  are  only 
kingdoms  of  this  worlds  which  must  perish  for  their  iniqui- 
ties. Religion  is  not,  with  any  of  them,  identified.  It 
pronounces  their  punishment,  and  hails  the  approaching 
reformation. 

Lecture  VIIL,  Rev.  xv.  T — And  one  of  the  four  leasts  gave 
unto  the  seven  angels  seven  golden  vials^  (&c. — This  is  the 
third  great  period  of  the  Apocalypse.     In  order  to  give  a 


188  MEMOm   OF   ALEXAKDEE   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

correct  idea  of  tlie  grand  object  of  tlie  vials,  it  is  necessary, 
says  the  antlior,  to  begin  earlier  than  the  period  itself,  by  a 
history  of  tlie  rise  of  that  Antichristian  system,  wliicb  it  is 
their  part  to  furnish  and  demolish.     The  author  proposes,  in 
this  lecture,  an  exposition  of  the  text  and  context,  and  a 
development  of  the  plan  he  means  to  pursue  in  explaining 
the  events  of  the  period  of  the  vials.     The  phraseology  of 
the  text  is  figurative.     The  instruments  of  tlie  judgment  are 
called  seven  golden  vials  full  of  the  wrath  of  GoU.    These 
vials  denote  plagues,  or  terrible  judgments.     They  are  the 
seven  last  plagues  ;  for  in  them  is  filed  tip  the  wrath  of  God. 
These  vials,  or  cups,  hold  the  wrath  of  God,  which  is  to  be 
poured  out  on  the  earth,  as  the  eifect  of  his  justice  in  the 
punishment  of  transgressors.     Tliey  are  golden,  for  his  judg- 
ments are  just  and  precious,  and  necessary  for  the  preserva- 
tion of  the   order   of  his   empire.     /Seven,  the  number   of 
completeness,  is  the  number  of  the  golden  vials,  for  they 
embrace  the  whole  Tvrath  of  God  toward  the  object  of  the 
^dals.     The  agents,  are  said  to  be  seven  aoigels.     Tliese  are 
the  messengers  of  divine  justice  ;  the  actual  dispensations 
of  Providence.     They  come   out  of  the   temple  with  the 
plagues.     Penal  dispensations  are  predicted  in  the  church, 
are  solicited  from  God  in  prayer  against  the  enemies  of  the 
kingdom  of  Christ,  and  are  appointed  by  the  Head  of  the 
Church  for  the   sake   of  his  body.     Tliese   angels   appear 
habited  in  the  holy  garments  of  the  high  priest — in  piire 
and  white  linen,  and  their  breasts  girded  with  golden  girdles. 
The  judgments  are  all  righteous,  and   those  who  execute 
them  according  to  the  divine  command  are  guiltless.     With 
clean  hands  and  a  pure  heart  they  shed  the  blood  of  the 
victim,  and  their   own  garments  remain  unpolluted.     He 
who  delivered  unto  the  seven  angels  these  last  plagues  is 


TnE   FOUK   BEASTS.  189 

07ie  of  the  four  beasts  or  living  creatures.  One,  tliat  is,  a 
certain  class  of  Christians  ministers,  more  public  spirited, 
of  more  correct  information,  and  of  greater  fidelity  to  the 
social  concerns  of  the  Christian  world,  than  the  rest,  and  by 
far  the  greater  number  of  the  ministers  of  Christ  deliver  up 
to  the  angels  the  plagues  which  come  upon  the  nations. 
They  do  so,  by  explaining  and  applying  the  predictions— by 
testifying  against  lawless  power— by  plainly  pronouncing 
sentence  from  the  Word  of  God  upon  the  opposers  of  righte- 
ousness—by actual  encouragement  to  the  instruments  of 
vengeance,  and  by  prayer  for  the  overthrow  of  Satan's 
kingdom,  including  the  several  kingdoms  of  the  Eoman 
earth.  A  holy  company  also  appears  in  the  church,  cele- 
brating the  event  in  songs  of  exultation— verses  2-4.  They 
stand  112)071  a  sea  of  glass  mingled  with  /?^5.— This  crystal 
sea  represents  the  blood  of  the  Covenant,  by  which  we  are 
justified  and  sanctified.  In  this  vision,  the  sea  aj^pears 
mingled  with  fire  ;  its  waves  flash  with  the  flames  of  divine 
indignation,  shining  high  to  the  glory  of  his  justice.  The 
holy  choristers  are  characterized  as  having  gotten  the  victory, 
and  as  having  the  harps  of  God.  The  scene  is  laid  in 
heaven,  although  it  respects  what  is  doing  on  earth.  They 
who  stand  on  the  sea  of  glass  are  conquerors,  and  more  than 
conquerors,  they  are  triumphers.  The  music  of  the  harp 
was  less  of  the  plaintive  than  of  the  eucharistic  kind,  and  is 
therefore  suited  to  the  song  of  the  conquerors,  when  they 
beheld  the  angels  of  the  vials  going  forth  to  pour  out  the 
wrath  of  God  upon  their  enemies.  The  heast,  the  image 
of  the  beast,  his  marlc,  and  the  nuniber  of  his  name,  are 
afterwards  explained  at  large  ;  we  therefore  pass  them  over, 
and  proceed  to  the  author's  outlhie  of  the  plan,  which  he 
proposes  in  explaining  the  events  of  the  third  Apocalyptical 


190         MEMOIR  OF  ALEXANDEK  MCLEOD,  D.D. 

period.  It  is  absolutely  necessary,  says  the  author,  tliat,  in 
order  to  understand  the  operation  and  effects  of  the  seven 
golden  vials,  we  previously  know  the  character  of  that 
system  which  they  are  intended  to  destroy.  Go  your  loays, 
and  pour  out  the  vials  of  the  wrath  of  God  upon  the  earth, 
that  is  the  symbolical  earth ;  the  western  Roman  Empire. 
At  the  time  of  commissioning  the  angels  of  the  vials,  the 
church  is  represented  as  having  the  means  of  extensive 
knowledge,  as  consisting  of  comparatively  few  faithful 
members,  and  as  finding  it  peculiarly  difficult  to  increase  the 
number — Rev.  xv.  5-8.  The  opening  of  the  temple  indicates 
the  increase  of  Christian  knowledge.  Only  one  of  the  four 
beasts  delivering  the  vials  into  the  hands  of  the  angels,  and 
the  temple  filled  with  smoke,  so  that  no  man  was  able  to 
enter,  denote  both  the  fewness  of  church  members,  and  the 
difficulty  of  increasing  them.  The  author's  plan  is  the 
following :  1.  Show  that  the  object  of  the  wrath  of  God 
poured  out  from  the  golden  vials,  is  the  Antichrist. 
2.  Explain  the  contents  of  the  Little  Booh  of  the 
Apocalypse.  3.  An  exposition  from  chapter  xii.  of  the 
vision  of  the  Woman  and  the  Dragon.  4.  A  lecture  on  the 
13th  chapter — character  of  the  Roman  Apostasy.  6,  From 
the  14th  chapter,  a  compendious  history  of  the  Christian 
religion,  in  its  truth  and  power  during  the  apostasy.  6.  The 
history  of  each  vial. 

Lecture  IX.,  Rev.  xvi.  1 — And  I  heard  a  great  voice  out 
of  the  temp)le,  saying  to  the  seven  angels^  go  your  ways,  c&o. 
— The  earth,  which  is  the  object  of  all  the  vials,  comj)re- 
hends  the  earth,  the  sea,  the  fountains,  the  sun,  the  seat  of 
the  beast,  the  Euphrates,  and  the  air,  which  are  the  distinct 
objects  of  the  seven  vials.     The  Roman  territory  is,  indeed, 


THE  ANTICHEISTIAN   SYSTEM.  191 

tlie  residence  of  that  upon  wliicli  tlie  plagues  of  the  vials 
are  inflicted  ;  but  the  formal  object  of  divine  vengeance,  is 
\h2X  jpernicious  and  criminal  system  of  social  order ^  in  both 
church  and  state,  which  is  established  among  the  guilty 
population  of  the  Eoman  territories.  The  Antichkistiajst 
SYSTEM  includes  the  beasts  of  the  pit,  of  the  sea,  and  of  the 
earth ;  the  head,  the  horns,  the  image  of  the  beast,  the 
mother  of  harlots,  and  all  who  are  drunken  with  the  cup  of 
her  intoxication.  Antichrist  signifies  an  opposite  Christ — 
the  opposer  of  Christ,  imder  pretence  of  being  himself 
appointed  or  anointed  of  the  Lord.  There  are  many  Anti- 
christs ;  all  who  oppose  Christ  are  such.  But  it  is  not  to  be 
doubted,  that  prophecy  directs  to  one  great  system  of  oppo- 
sition, which  should  arise  under  the  Christian  dispensation, 
as  pointed  out  by  this  name — emphatically  denominated  the 
Antichrist.  The  Antichristian  system  is  plainly  described 
by  Paul,  2  Thess.  ii.  3-9  ;  1  Tim.  iv.  1-3.  It  had  been 
described  long  before,  by  the  prophet  Daniel,  chapter  xi. 
36-38.  The  author,  after  having  stated  and  refuted  several 
erroneous  opinions  respecting  the  Antichristian  system, 
especially  those  of  Mr.  Faber,  concludes  this  lecture  by 
adverting  to  the  comparative  claims  of  infidelity  and  suj^er- 
stition  to  injure  the  Christian  religion,  and  showing,  that  of 
the  two,  superstition  is  the  more  dangerous.  AVhilst  he 
warns  and  cautions  Christians  to  beware  of  the  seducing 
arts  of  the  adversary,  who,  in  begetting  infidelity,  and 
rearing  it  up  to  an  alaiTaing  height  among  the  nations, 
thereby  endeavors  to  attract  the  principal  notice  of  the 
saints,  and  divert  their  attention  from  the  apostasy,  the 
principal  impediment  to  a  general  reformation. 

Lectuee  X,  Eev.  x.  9. — And  I  went  unto  the  angel,  cmd 


192  MEMOIR   OF   ALEXANDER   MCLEOD,    D.D . 

said  unto  him^  Give  me  the  little  hoolc,  &c. — ^Tlie  author's 
plan  in  this  lecture  is,  to  explain  the  manner  in  which  this 
hoolc  is  hrought  into  view,  and  to  unfold  its  contents.  The 
little  hooh. — ^It  has  already  been  observed,  that  the  whole  oi 
chaj).  X.  and  si.  1-13  should  be  considered  as  parenthe- 
tical. Tliis  part  is  the  little  looTc  introduced  as  a  codicil,  or 
as  a  note  to  the  Imager,  the  sealed  hook.  The  little  book  'is 
introduced  to  view  in  a  distinct  vision — the  fom-th  of  the 
prophetic  visions  recorded  in  the  Apocalyj)se.  It  exhibits, 
1.  The  Saviour  as  holding  in  his  hand  an  open  book.  That 
it  was  the  uncreated  angel  of  the  covenant,  there  is  no  doubt. 
Every  part  of  the  hieroglyphic  jooints  out  God-man  our 
glorious  Redeemer.  As  he  dwelt  in  the  cloudy  j^illar, 
which  served  as  a  guide  to  Israel  of  old,  so  he  appears 
clothed  with  a  cloud.  The  seal  of  God's  covenant — the  rain- 
how — is  upon  his  head ;  his  face  was  as  it  were  the  sun — those 
who  fear  his  name  shall  see  the  sun  of  righteousness  arise 
with  healing  in  his  wings — light  shall  arise  to»the  upright  in 
darkness.  His  feet,  his  dispensations,  as  pillars  of  fire — 
his  steps  are  in  holiness  and  majesty.  In  evidence  both  of 
his  mediatory  power,  and  the  extent  of  his  authority,  he 
places  his  right  foot  iipon  the  sea,  and  his  left  foot  upon  the 
earth.  The  right  foot  is  that  which  naturally  first  advances. 
It  is  put,  in  this  case,  upon  the  symholical  sea,  the  turbulent 
and  distracted  multitudes  of  men  who  were  left  in  confusion 
after  the  dismemberment  of  the  western  empire  ;  his  left 
foot  is  placed  upon  the  symholical  earth,  the  Antichristian 
system  which  aj)pears  more  firm.  Still  it  is  under  the  feet 
of  Messiah.  Ue  cried  as  wJien  a  lion  roareth,  denoting  his 
authority,  and  irresistible  power.  The  little  book  in  his 
hand  is  open.  The  former  book  was  sealed,  for  at  the  date 
of  the  vision  the  events  were  still  future.     But  of  this  book. 


THE   LITTLE   BOOK.  193 

the  subject  was  actually  matter  of  history  at  the  time  to 
which  the  vision  now  under  consideration  applies.  Tliis 
exhibition  was  accompanied  with  the  voice  of  thunder^ — • 
seven  thunders  littered  their  voices^  denoting  those  alarming 
contentions  among  the  principal  powers  of  the  nations,  which 
issue  in  the  great  calamities  of  war.  The  apostle  is  com- 
manded to  take  and  eat  the  little  hooh,  which,  in  his  mouth 
was  sweet  as  honey ^  but  made  his  helly  hitter.  The  know- 
ledge and  reception  of  his  commission  was  pleasant,  Init  the 
circumstances  of  the  case,  and  the  condition  of  both  the 
world  and  the  church  marked  out  in  the  commission,  were 
painful  to  a  benevolent  heart.  The  little  book,  the  contents 
of  which  are  to  be  unfolded,  is  introduced  between  the  sixth 
and  seventh  trumpets,  although  distant  from  both.  It, 
indeed,  synchronizes  with  the  three  great  woes,  but  while  the 
object  of  these  is  to  record  the  fall  of  the  Roman  Empire  in 
the  east  and  in  the  west,  the  object  of  the  little  book  is  to 
give  a  miniature  history  of  the  state  of  religion  in  the  western 
empire  only,  dm-ing  the  remarkable  period  of  12C0  years. 
This  part  of  the  Apocalypse,  therefore,  describes  a  heathenish 
church,  in  league  with  a  tyrannical  and  idolatrous  empire, 
opposed  to  a  small  company  of  true  Christians,  denominated 
the  witnesses,  and  it  exhibits  the  contest  hetioeen  these  parties, 
and  the  xdtimate  result.  Chap.  xi.  1,  2.' — .Rise  and  measure, 
&c. — This  command  is  intended  for  all  the  ministers  of  the 
gospel.  The  measuring  reed  is  the  Word  of  God — the  Holy 
Scriptures.  The  temple  is  the  church  of  God  in  licr  Xew 
'Testament  organization.  The  altar  is  the  symbol  of  divine 
worship.  Tlie  worshipers  are  themselves  to  be  measured  by 
the  sacred  rule.  The  Court  without  the  temple  is  to  be  left 
out,  and  not  measured.  The  churches  of  the  nations — ^the 
Koman  Catholic  Church,  is  to  be  considered  as  outcast,  apos- 


194         MEMOIK  OF  ALEXANDER  MCLEOD,  D.D. 

tate,  aiid  lieatlienisli — gimn  unto  the  Gentiles^  for  the  space 
of  forty-two  months,  or  12G0  years.  The  witnesses. — ^They 
are  so  called,  because  they  give  testimony  to  the  truth,  in 
opposition  to  the  Antichristian  system  during  the  time  of  the 
apostasy.  They  are  distinguished  as  a  ^partfrom  the  lohole. 
They  are  Christians  belonging  to  the  visible  church.  Indeed, 
they  are,  comparatively,  but  a  small  number.  Tlie  author, 
very  correctly,  distinguishes  the  two  witnesses,  not  from  the 
world  that  lieth  in  wickedness,  from  which  the  church  and 
all  Christians  are  at  all  times  distinguished,  but  from  the 
great  body  of  Christians,  and  even  from  the  visible  church, 
m  general^  during  the  reign  of  the  Antichrist. 

There  is  a  similarity,  as  to  the  manner  of  designation, 
between  the  witnesses  and  those  against  whom  they  testify. 
Every  opposer  of  Christ  is  an  Antichrist.  But  there  is  an 
apostasy,  formally  organized  within  the  precincts  of  the 
western  Eoman  Empire,  emphatically  called  the  Antichrist^ 
which,  as  a  definitely  organized  system^  does  not  exist  else- 
where, and  which  will  come  to  an  end  in  1260  years  after 
its  commencement,  or  complete  organization :  so  there  is  a 
special  and  definite  class  of  witness  bearers,  within  the 
boundaries  of  the  western  Eoman  Empire,  who  are,  by  way 
of  eminence,  called  God's  tioo  witnesses,  who  testify  against 
the  whole  system  of  iniquity,  as  it  corrupts  and  abuses  the 
two  cardinal  divine  ordinances  magistracy  and  ministry. 
All  other  Christians,  whether  there,  or  elsewhere,  are  wit- 
nesses for  God,  and  against  error,  so  far  as  they  do  bear  a 
testimony;  but,  as  such,  they  do  not  belong  to  the  two 
witnesses  who  oppose  the  whole  complex  system  of  the 
apostasy,  and  who  shall  ultimately  be  put  to  death  for  their 
fidelity.  The  testimony  which  they,  as  the  two  witnesses, 
bear,  comes  to  an  end  at  the  downfall  of  Antichrist.     It  will 


THE   TWO   WITNESSES.  195 

be  needed  no  longer.  But  all  Cliristians  will  be  witnesses 
for  truth  to  the  end  of  the  world.  The  witnesses  for  God, 
generally  considered,  shall  last  as  long  as  the  sun.  But  the 
two  witnesses  shall  have  finished  their  testimony — them- 
selves shall  be  cut  off,  and  their  testimony  shall  come  to  an 
end.  The  death  of  the  witnesses,  the  author  justly  thinks, 
is  yet  future.  He  offers  some,  we  think,  satisfactory  reasons, 
for  this  opinion.  1.  They  are  not  now  dead,  for  they  still 
projyhesy.  IS'or  are  they  risen  from  the  dead,  for  they  still 
prophesy  clothed  in  sackcloth.  2.  The  time  definitely 
marked  out  in  prophesy,  in  which  they  are  to  be  employed 
1260  years,  is  not  yet  expired.  3.  The  corrupt  establish- 
ments still  remain  to  be  testified  against.  The  work  of  the 
witnesses  is  incomijlete.  They  have  not  finished  their  testi- 
mony. Christ,  our  pattern  and  example,  the  faithful  and 
true  witness,  was  not  put  to  death,  until  he  finished  the  work 
given  him  to  do.  The  two  witnesses,  like  him,  shall  not  be 
slain  until  they  finish,  in  their  last  sufferings,  the  whole  work 
they  have  to  perform.  It  does  not  appear  that  witnesses 
have  been  put  to  death  for  testifying  against  the  irreligion 
of  civil  polity,  anywhere  as  yet,  in  the  Antichristian  world. 
It  is  not  probable  that  they  will  escape  better  in  maintaining 
this  doctrine  than  in  other  cases.  Christ's  headship  over  the 
nations,  is  the  present  testimony.  There  is  every  reason  to 
believe  that,  in  suffering  for  this  truth,  the  witnesses  will 
complete  their  testimony.  4.  That  the  death  of  the  wit- 
nesses has  not,  as  yet,  come  to  pass,  appears  from  the  fact, 
that  it  is  caused  by  the  last  great  struggle  of  the  beast 
against  the  saints.  At  the  resurrection  of  the  witnesses,  the 
power  of  the  enemy  comes  to  an  end.  l^o  event  corres- 
ponding to  this  has  hitherto  occurred  in  Christendom. 
"When  the  numbers,  the  learning,  and  the  talents,  enlisted  on 


196         MEMOIR  OF  ALEXANDER  MCLEOD,  D.D. 

the  side  of  the  Bible  religion,  and  Bible  politics,  are  become 
so  formidable  as  to  alarm  the  beast,  then  will  he  make  war 
upon  them,  and  for  three  years  and  a  half  the  war  will  be 
successful.  Tlien  will  be  the  death  of  the  witnesses.  But 
by  the  grace  of  God  they  shall  rise  again.  Their  death  shall 
not  be  of  long  duration.  They  shall  arise,  in  those  who 
succeed  to  their  princij)les.  All  irreligious  polity  will  be 
discarded,  and  the  saints  alone  exalted  to  the  political 
heaven.  Contemporaneously  with  the  resurrection  of  the 
witnesses  is  the  final  earthqiKike,  and  the  fall  of  the  tenth 
]xirt  of  the  city— some  kingdom,  probably  that  very  one  in 
which  the  witnesses  were  slain.  In  the  earthquake  were 
slain  of  men  7,000' — literally  7iames  of  men,  that  is,  the 
prostration  of  titles,  and  dignities.  And  here  the  little  hoolc 
closes.  It  is  a  summary  history  of  the  remarkable  1260 
years,  with  special  reference  to  the  witnesses.  The  author 
concludes  this  lecture  with  the  consoling  reflection,  that 
America  shall  not  suffer  in  this  dire  catastrophe — the  death 
of  the  witnesses.  That  event  takes  place  within  the  bounds 
of  the  western  empire. 

Lecture  XI.,  Rev.  xii.  1-3. — The  Woman  and  the  Dra- 
gon.— ^This  chapter,  says  the  author,  as  it  does  not  belong  to 
the  little  hook,  must  belong  to  the  sealed  hoolc,  and  of  course, 
to  that  part  of  it  which  was  under  the  seventh  seal.  This 
chapter  evidently  precedes  the  millennium — is  contemporary 
with  some  of  the  events  of  the  trumpets,  and  is  an  introduc- 
tion to  the  vials.  It  synchronizes  with  the  little  book,  and 
with  the  13th  and  14tli  chapters.  It  describes  a  war  in 
Heaven,  and  exhibits  the  principal  characters  engaged  in 
that  war.  The  characters  are  the  woman  and  the  dragon. 
The  woman  is  the  actuol  church  of  God.  scattered  among 


MICUAEL.  197 

the  cliurclies  of  the  "western  empire.  She  is  clothed  with 
the  Sim — the  light  and  the  righteousness  of  Jesus  Christ. 
She  stands  upon  the  moon — the  actual  ordinances  of  divine 
grace,  appointed  of  the  Lord,  and  giving  light  to  the  world, 
in  proportion  as  the  Lord  shines  upon  them.  The  crown 
which  she  wears,  is  the  doctrine  of  the  twelve  apostles  of 
the  Lamb,  and  of  the  ministers  who  succeed  them. 

The  dragon  is  the  devil,  ver.  9,  tJiat  ol^  serpent  called  the 
devil.  Satan  appears  of  a  red  color,  the  emblem  of  persecu- 
tion, of  cruelty,  and  of  blood,  and  his  seat  is  in  the  nominal 
church  in  Heaven.  He  is  embodied  in  the  beast,  the  civil 
polity  of  that  empire,  which  hath  seven  heads  and  ten  hoiiis. 
His  t4i,il  drew  the  third  part  of  the  stars  of  heaven,  atid  did 
cast  them  to  the  earth.  ITominal  Christian  pastors,  minis- 
tei*s  of  religion,  who  are  under  the  -pernicious  influence  of 
the  heast  which  Satan  possessed.  Michael,  who  is  also 
represented  as  the  ^nan-child,  which  the  woman  brought 
forth,  who  rules  the  nations  loith  a  rod  of  iron,  conducts  the 
war  on  the  side  of  the  woman.  Tlie  spiritual  seed,  along 
with  Christ,  are  here  described.  The  man-child  is  Christ,  in 
his  body  mystical.  He  associates  his  seed  with  him,  as  the 
body  of  which  he  is  the  head,  in  the  work  of  conquering  his 
enemies.  In  verse  6th  we  read,  that  the  woman  fled  into 
the  loilderness — where  she  should  he  fed  1260  days,  that  is 
years.  This  period  appears  to  have  commenced  about  the 
beginning  of  the  seventh  century.  Tliere  was,  at  this  time, 
at  the  head  of  the  empire,  a  man,  a  human  monster,  Phocas, 
qualified  to  answer  the  dragon's  diabolical  purposes.  This, 
says  our  author,  is  that  emperor  who  gave  the  saints  of  the 
most  high  into  the  power  of  the  little  horn,  by  constituting 
Pope  Boniface  HI.  in  tlie  year  606,  universal  bishop,  and 
requiring  all  the  churches  to  acknowledge  the  papal  supre- 


198  MEMOm   OF   ALEXAIIDER  MCLEOD,    D.D. 

macj.  Tlie  wilderness  into  wliicli  tlie  woman  fled,  is  to  be 
understood  metaphorically.  It  consists  in  their  separating 
themselves  from  the  criminal  policy,  honors,  and  emolu- 
ments of  the  governments  of  Europe  over  which  the  dragon 
exercises  his  powerful  influence,  and  to  dwell  alone,  as 
exiles,  in  seclusion,  but  still  enjoying  God  as  their  refuge 
and  protection.  The  war  in  heaven^  thus  represents  the 
great  struggle  of  ihe  Reformation.  The  civil  power  waged 
this  war  against  the  woman,  at  the  instigation  of  an  apostate 
church,  and  under  pretence  of  supporting  her  interests.  In 
the  11th  century  papal  power  had  arisen  to  its  greatest 
elevation.  The  popes  claimed  to  be  Lords  of  the  universe — 
supreme  legislators  in  the  church,  and  the  arbiters  of  the  fate 
of  kingdoms  and  empires.  By  the  force  of  truth,  under  the 
providence  of  God,  their  claims  were  rendered  vain,  and  such 
pretensions  made  to  cease  for  ever  at  the  Reformation. 
Satan  was  then  cast  out  of  the  heaven  of  the  Eoman  Church 
— from  his  ecclesiastical  eminence,  and  was  obliged  to  take 
his  stand  upon  the  earth.  He  could  no  longer  act  as  before, 
byj^;^_p«?  hulls  and  decretals.  Men  were  become  too  enlight- 
ened by  the  Reformation,  to  be  longer  imposed  upon  by  such 
delusion,  and  imposture.  He  therefore  changes  his  mode 
of  attack.  The  woman  is  still  in  the  wilderness,  and  far 
from  realizing  all  the  advantages  which  the  reformation 
was  expected  to  confer.  Glorious  as  was  the  ecclesiastical 
reformation,  the  civil  part  was  still  tyrannical,  and  left  her 
still  an  exile.  And  the  serpent  cast  out  of  his  mouth  water, 
as  a  flood,  after  the  woman,  ver.  15.' — ^This  diabolical  flood 
denotes  the  torrent  of  heresies  and  licentiousness,  in  both 
principle  and  practice,  which  succeeded,  in  Europe,  the 
work  of  reform,  and  which  received  countenance  and  pro- 
tection from  the    higher    powers.     False    doctrines  were 


THE   GREAT  APOSTASY. 


legalized  ly  acts  of  toleration.  Inficlelitj,  indifference  to 
all  religion,  and  a  disregard  of  the  divine  law  in  ascertain- 
ing tlie  true  rights  of  individuals  and  social  bodies,  form 
component  parts  of  this  flood.  The  earth  helxKcl  the 
woman,  not  designedly;  but  the  prevalence  of  heresies, 
of  infidelity,  of  indifference  to  truth  and  error,  instead  of 
their  former  bigotry  and  superstition,  together  with  dis- 
union among  themselves,  diverted  their  minds  from  per- 
secuting the  saints,  and  became  a  wall  of  defence  to  the 
faithful  that  remained;  and  thus,  instead  of  the  woman 
leing  carried  away  by  the  flood,  the  earth  opened  her 
mouth  and  swallowed  up  the  flood  which  the  dragon  cast 
out  of  his  mouth.  Enraged  at  the  disappointment,  the 
enemy  again  changes  the  manner  of  attack,  ver.  17.  And 
the  dragon  was  wroth  with  the  woman,  and  went  to  make 
war  with  the  remnant  of  her  seed.  He  becomes  the  dragon 
in  all  the  terrors  of  persecution.  By  the  instrumentality  of 
his  agents,  the  civil  powers,  the  beast  with  seven  heads  and 
ten  horns,  the  witnesses  are  slain.  It  is  the  last  contest  in 
which  the  civil  sword  is  bathed  in  the  blood  of  martyrdom. 
Tlie  author  concludes  the  lecture  by  showing  in  what  esti- 
mation the  civil  and  ecclesiastical  establishments  of  the  Anti- 
christian  empire  ought  to  be  held — the  dragon  against  the 
woman,  and  the  man-child.  And,  at  the  same  time,  earn- 
estly cautions  against  the  flood  of  errors,  heresies,  indiffer- 
ence, and  infidelity,  which  the  dragon  cast  out  of  his  mouth, 
and  which  was  swallowed  by  the  earth. 

Lecture  XII.,  Eev.  xiii.  1,  2, 11. — The  two  Beasts. — This 
chapter,  says  our  author,  is  the  most  explicit  and  compre- 
hensive history  which  we  have  of  the  great  apostasy  of  1260 
years,  both  as  it  respects  the  secidar  beast,  and  the  ecclesi- 


200  IIEMOIR   OF   ALEXAISTDEK   MC    LEOD,    D.D. 

astical  least,  as  well  as  the  limng  image  of  tlie  imperial 
beast,  which  the  ecclesiastical  power  has  set  up  in  the  office 
of  the  Pa^Hicy.  He  proposes  to  give  in  this  lecture,  the 
interpretation  of  the  beast  of  the  sea — the  beast  of  the 
earth,  together  with  the  image  of  the  beast,  his  mark,  his 
name,  and  the  number  of  his  name.  The  first  beast  is  the 
secular  power  of  the  Eoman  Empire  in  its  divided  state.  In 
this  chapter  three  distinct  Antichristian  powers  are  des- 
cribed— the/r5'^  beast  with  ten  horns,  or  the  secular  Eoman 
empire ;  the  second  beast  with  two  horns  like  a  lamb,  or  the 
ecclesiastical  empire;  the  image  of  the  first  beast,  made  by 
the  second,  or  the  papal  power.  The  prophecies  of  Daniel, 
chapter  vii.  2-2-1,  confirm  the  interpretation  that  the  first 
beast  is  the  secular  Eoman  Empire.  It  is  the  fourth  Mng- 
dom  u_poti  earth,  and  coincides  with  a  similar  description  in 
the  drama  of  Nebuchadnezzar— Daniel,  ii.  40,  41 ;  the  ten  toes 
of  the  image  answer  to  the  ten  horns  of  the  fourth  beast  in 
the  vision  of  Daniel.  It  is  further  confirmed  by  the  other 
parts  of  the  Eevelation  which  speak  of  the  beast.  In  chapter 
xvii.  3,  the  ecclesiastical  state  under  the  symbol  of  a  great 
harlot,  is  distinguished  from  the  scarlet  colored  least  which 
supports  her.  In  chapter  xix.  20,  the  three  parties  are-  men- 
tioned as  distinguished  from  one  another.  The  false  prophet, 
or  ecclesiastical  system  is  distinguished  both  from  the  least 
and  his  image.  This  beast  rose  tip  out  of  the  sea.  Tlie  sea 
denotes  multitudes  of  men  in  a  state  of  tumult  or  disorder. 
Thus  all  the  four  great  monarchies  arose— Daniel  vii.  2.  It 
had  seven  heads  and  ten  horns.— These  seven  heads  have  a 
twofold  signification— chap.  xvii.  9, 10.  The  seven  heads  are 
seven  mountains  upon  which  the  woman  sitteth.  And  there 
are  seven  Idngs.  Eome  was  built  upon  seven  distinct  moun- 
tains.    Her  different  forms  of  government  are  called  kings, 


WAR    WITH    THE    6AINTS.  201 

because  each  was  in  its  turn  supreme.  These  are  also  desig- 
nated "by  the  seven  heads — seven  kings.  I<'ive  are  fallen^ 
cmd  one  is,  and  the  other  is  not  yet  come.  The  five  fallen 
ones  were,  kings,  consuls,  dictators,  decem/oifs,  and  military 
tribunes  with  consular  authority.  The  one  then  existing  was 
the  sixth  head,  the  envperors.  Of  the  seventh  head,  the 
angel  said  to  John,  at  the  time  referred  to  in  this  vision 
chap.  xvii.  10,  the  other  is  not  yet  come.  The  jpatriciate, 
is  the  seA^enth  head  of  the  beast  of  the  sea.  This  head 
however,  was  to  continue  but  a  short  sjyace.  The  patriciate 
soon  merged  in  a  renovation  of  the  western  emjDire.  In 
the  year  1800,  Charlemagne,  who  had  possessed  the  dignity 
during  26  years,  was  crowned  Emperor  of  the  Eomans,  and 
the  ;patriciate  was  no  more.  Thus  the  eighth  was  of  the 
seven  and  is  justly  denominated  the  septimo-octave  head.  It 
is  said  of  this  beast,  that  it  was,  and  is  not,  and  yet  is. 
Before  the  division  of  the  Latin  empire,  the  beast  was  one 
great  sovereignty,  or  consolidated  empire,  under  one  despot ; 
since  that  period,  and  during  the  whole  of  the  Antichristian 
1260  years,  he  is  not  in  this  respect,  but  yet  the  whole 
western  empire,  with  all  its  divisions,  is  heastly,  and  so 
united  as,  notwithstanding  its  distinct  sovereignties,  to  be 
considered  one  family,  recognizing  some  particular  power  as 
entitled  to  the  precedency.  This  power  is  the  emperor  of 
the  Germanic  empire.  The  second  beast,  or  two  horned 
beast  of  the  earth.  And  I  leheld  another  least  coming  up 
out  of  the  earth  ;  and  he  had  two  horns  like  a  laml,  and  he 
spake  as  a  dragon.  Tliis  second  beast,  says  our  author,  is  the 
ecclesiastical  hierarchy.  In  chap.  xi.  the  little  hook  describes 
a  heathenized  church  in  league  with  the  beast  of  the  abyss,  in 
persecuting  the  witnesses.  That  persecution  is  contemporane- 
ous with  the  icar  upon  the  saints,  described  in  this  chapter  ; 

14 


202  MEMOIR   OF    ALEXANDER   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

for  it  is  carried  on  in  the  same  1260  years  of  the  apostasy. 
The  beast  is  the  same  in  both  cases;  the  great  accomplice  is 
also  the  same.  In  tlie  ITtli  chapter,  the  scarlet  beast  with 
the  seven  heads  and  ten  horns  is  represented  bearing  np  the 
mother  of  harlots,  drunken  with  the  blood  of  the  martyrs. 
She  is  coadjutor  of  the  secular  beast,  and  corresponds  with 
the  second  beast  of  the  13th  chapter.  In  the  19th  chapter, 
when  the  beast  is  taken  captive,  there  appears  in  his  com- 
pany, as  an  accomplice  in  crime,  the  false  jjyrojyhet  that 
wrought  miracles  before  him.  His  work  is  the  same  as  that 
of  the  two  horned  beast,  chap.  xiii.  13,  14.  The  false 
^TOjpliet  represents  an  apostate  and  treacherous  clergy — the 
Antichristian  priesthood,  and  so,  of  course,  the  second  beast. 
In  the  7th  chapter  of  Daniel,  ver.  8,  the  little  horn  rising 
up  among  the  other  horns  of  the  secular  beast,  represents 
the  same  ecclesiastical  usurpation.  Before  it  could  obtain 
the  ample  revenue  and  political  influence,  to  which  it 
aspired,  three  horns  had  to  be  ^lucTied  iijy  hy  the  roots — the 
three  kingdoms  of  the  Heruli,  the  Ostrogoths,  and  the  Lom- 
bards, were  overthrown.  This  little  horn,  occupies  the  same 
place  in  the  prophecy  of  Daniel,  which  in  the  Apocalypse 
is  assigned  to  the  two-horned  beast — the  false  prophet,  and 
the  heathen  and  harlot  church. 

This  l)east  coming  ujp  out  of  the  earth,  has  two  horns  Uke 
a  lamh,  ver.  11.^ — ^The  power  of  the  hierarchy  is  twofold, 
called  the  regular  and  secular  clergy — the  regular  compre- 
hending all  the  monastic  orders,  and  the  secular  all  the 
parochial  clergy.  He  exercises  all  the  power  of  the  first 
beast — with  his  prelates,  and  his  monks,  he  directs  the 
administration  of  civil  power.  He  causes  all  to  loorship 
the  first  Ijeast — to  yield  blind  submission  to  the  civil  power, 
however  impious  and  tyrannical.      He   pretends  to   work 


THE  IMAGE  OF  THE  BEAST.  203 

miracles— lying  wonders  lo'tth  all  cleceivableness  of  unright- 
eousness. The  image  of  the  least. — This  image  is  the 
papacy— the  most  striking-  representation  of  the  okl  Eoman 
emperors— is  as  great  a  tyrant  in  the  Christian  world,  as 
they  were  in  the  heathen  workl.  He  presides  in  the  same 
city,  iisnrps  tlie  same  powers ;  affects  the  same  titles ;  and 
requires  the  same  universal  homage  and  adoration.  The 
Pope  is  the  creature  of  the  church,  or  second  beast,  as  well 
as  the  resemblance  of  the  Emperor  or  first  beast.  The 
second  beast  caused  him  to  be  made  and  worshiped. 
^Yhon^  they  create,  they  adore. 

The  marh  of  the  beast.— It  is  the  mark  of  the  first  or 
ten  horned  beast — the  civil  Latin  empire.  It  is  imposed  by 
the  false  ]?roj>het,  or  second  beast.  He  both  gives  life  to 
the  image,  and  imposes  the  mark.  It  is  differently  imposed 
on  the  foreheads  of  some,  and  in  the  right  hand  of  others. 
The  mark  in  the  forehead,  is  avowed  subjection  to  the 
complex  and  impious  power  of  the  nations,  in  all  cases  civil 
and  ecclesiastical,  to  the  full  extent  of  their  tyranical  claim, 
that  in  the  right  hand  denotes  activity,  in  supporting  the 
thrones  of  iniquity,  whether  with,  or  without  the  profession 
of  the  Eoman  Catholic  creed,  or  any  other  heresy  whatever. 

The  name  and  number  of  the  beast.— It  is  the  proper 
name  of  the  first  beast,  or  secular  empire — chap.  xiv.  11. 
The  marh  and  the  naine  respect  the  same  beast.  It  is  the 
common  name  of  all  those  who  belong  to  iliQ  empire— chap, 
xiii.  17.  It  is  the  irroper  name  of  a  certain  man.  It 
contains  the  number  m^^.  All  these  four  marks  meet  in 
one  word,  and  in  one  word  only ;  that  word  must  be  the 
name  of  the  beast,  and  that  word  is  Latinus.  This  is  the 
name  of  the  western  Roman  Empire.  The  same  name 
applies   to  the   whole   population— the    Latins.      It   is  the 


204        MEMOIR  OF  ALEXANDER  MCLEOD,  D.D. 

name  of  an  individnal  man — 'Latinus,  the  ancient  king  of 
Latium  and  the  founder  of  the  empire.  And  this  name 
contains  the  number  specified,  for  the  ancient  orthography, 
both  Latin  and  Greek,  is  Latneios. 

The  author  concludes  the  lecture  with  a  review  of  the 
Latin  eartli  as  the  scene  of  prediction.  Its  several  kingdoms 
constitute  the  seven-headed  ten-horned  beast.  It  is  all- 
important  to  ascertain  the  name,  and  the  number  of  the 
name  of  the  first  beast.  It  is  of  importance,  in  understand- 
ing the  predictions,  to  define  the  countries  which  are  to 
be  afi"ected  by  the  judgments.  The  Catholics  are  evidently 
gaining  ground  in  the  last  and  present  century.  Their 
emancipation  in  Britain,  Avill,  very  probably,  be  the  death- 
blow to  the  protestant  interest  there.  The  fall  of  Britain  as 
a  protestant  state  will,  perhaps,  afford  the  true  explanation 
of  the  slaying  of  the  witnesses. 

Lecture  XIII. — The  Character  and  History  of  true  Chris- 
tians during  the  general  A2)08tasy.' — Rev.  xiv.  1-13 — Ajid 
I  looked,  and  lo,  a  Land)  stood  on  the  Mount  Siooi,  and 
with  him  144,000. — ^The  time  to  which  this  prophecy  has 
reference. — From  the  nature  of  the  contrast  of  the  sealed 
servants  of  God  in  this  chapter,  with  the  marked  slaves  of 
the  beast  in  the  preceding,  we  are  led  to  conclude,  that 
the  two  visions  have  respect  to  the  same  period  of  time — 
the  whole  period  of  the  12G0  years  of  the  apostasy.  The 
144,000  which  were  sealed  in  this  age  of  corruption,  are 
introduced  at  tlie  beginning  of  the  14th  chapter,  and  hence 
we  infer,  that  the  prophecy  ought  to  be  applied  to  the 
early,  as  well  as  to  the  more  recent  ages  of  the  Antichristian 
apostasy.  Tlie  author  divides  this  chapter  into  three  parts, 
a  description  of  true  Christians — a  history  of  the  ^j>r/?2c/^<2? 


EEVIVALS    OF   EELIGION.  205 

revivals  among  them,  aud  the  total  overtliroio  of  their  ene- 
mies. The  descrix^tion  is  given  in  verse  1-5.  The  Mount 
Sion  is  the  true  Christian  church.  There  stands  the  Lamb, 
at  the  head  of  his  saints,  protecting  them  from  the  wild  heast 
having  the  horns  of  a  Lamb,  and  the  voice  of  a  dragon. 
And  with  him,  in  both  a  spiritual  union  and  a  happy  fellow- 
ship, are  144,000  Israelites  -without  guile.  His  open 
witnesses  are  hwi  feio ,  these  are  comparatively  numerous. 
They  sing  a  new  song  peculiar  to  themselves.  No  man 
could  learn  that  song  but  the  ransomed  of  the  Lord.  These 
are  the  members  of  the  invisible  church,  althougli  not 
found  all  united  in  any  one  visible  communion.  They  are 
the  truly  godly  in  the  several  churches.  These  compara- 
tively hidden,  but  genuine  disciples,  are  in  number  to  the 
open  and  bold  witnesses,  as  141,000  to  two,  or  as  the  7,000 
Israelites  ivho  did  not  how  the  hnee  to  Baal,  to  the  prophet 
Elijah  and  Elislia.  They  all,  however,  have  the  following 
four  characteristics  of  true  godliness :  1.  Union  hy  faith 
to  the  Redeemer,  together  with  a  profession  of  allegiance 
to  the  Lord.     Faith  forms  this  union  with  the   Saviour. 

2.  Purity  in  doctrine  and  loorshij).  "  Tliese  are  they 
which  were  not  defiled  with  women  ;  for  they  are  virgins." 

3.  Suffering  for  Ohrist''s  sake.  "  These  are  they  which  fol- 
low the  Lamb  whithersoever  he  goeth."  They  take  uj? 
their  cross  and  follow  him.  4.  Uprightness.  "And  in 
their  mouth  was  found  no  guile."  The  deceitful  man 
cannot  be  a  Christian.     No  Christian  is  a  hypocrite. 

The  Histm^y  of  the  Revivals  of  Religion. — Three  epochs, 
distinguished  for  a  revival  of  the  work  of  God  after  the 
great  apostasy,  have  been  predicted  in  this  chapter.  Tliey 
are  ushered  into  our  notice,  under  the  symbol  of  so  many 
angels.    The  first  angel  of  general  revival,   is   described 


206  MEMOIR   OF   ALEXAi^DER   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

verses  G,  7,  as  flying  in  the  midst  of  heaven,  having  the 
everlasting  gos])el  to  jpreach,  &c.  The  peculiar  character  of 
tlie  ministry  of  this  first  revival,  is  to  direct  men  to  the  true 
object  of  worship,  in  opposition  to  the  multiplied  idolatries 
of  the  Eoman  superstition.  Tliis  honor  seems  to  belong 
to  the  "Waldenses  and  Albigenses.  .  The  second  general 
revival  is  mentioned  verse  8,  as  another  angel  foTloioi7ig, 
proclaiming  the  downfall  of  Babylon.  This,  including  all 
the  previous  attainments,  aims  at  the  actual  overthrow  of 
tlie  Church  of  Rome.  The  Protestant  Reformation,  as  one 
great  event,  is  thus  characterized.  The  ^AzVyZ  general  revival 
is  described  verses  9-13. — A  third  angel  followed  tJieni, 
saying,  &c.  This  is,  in  fact,  that  gi'eat  reform  which  will 
usher  in  the  millennium.  Tlie  peculiar  charactel*  of  the 
ministry  of  the  Cliurch  of  God,  during  this  great  work,  is, 
to  pronounce  the  judgments  of  Heaven  upon  the  whole 
system  of  Latin  superstition.  The  propliecy  completes  the 
history  of  true  Christians,  in  the  preceding  passages,  and 
now  turns  to  the  history  of  the  judgments,  which  put  an 
end  to  the  Latin  empire.  It  is  the  third  woe.  The  judg- 
ment of  the  Iiarvcst,  verses  14-10. — The  earth  is  the  Latin 
empire.  The  harvest  of  this  earth  is  said  to  be  rij^e,  when 
the  system  is  fit  for  judgment.  The  harvest,  in  prophetic 
style,  is  the  symbol  of  destroying  judgments.  It  succeeds, 
in  the  order  of  arrangement,  that  which  respects  the  third 
reformation;  because  the  proper  history  of  true  Christians 
ought  not  to  be  unnecessarily  interrupted  :  but  inasmuch  as 
that  very  history  declared  the  ruin  of  the  foe,  the  event 
described  in  the  following  verses  may  not  only  be  consi- 
dered contemporaneous  with  the  reformation  itself,  but  may, 
in  its  origin,  somewhat  precede  the  work  to  which  it  is 
subservient.     Tlie  accomplishment  of  the  prediction  will  be 


THE    VINTAGE.  207 

found  in  tlie  events  wliich  grow  out  of  the  Frencli  Kevo- 
lution.  The  work  of  overturning,  however,  is  only  in  its 
commencement.  It  is  in  the  history  of  the  seven  vials,  we 
have  a  full  development  of  the  plagues  which  are  inci- 
dentally noticed  in  this,  and  in  other  predictions. 

The  Vintage,  verses.  17-20.' — Out  of  the  temple,  verse  IT, 
the  apostle  saw,  in  vision,  another  angel  coming  forth  loith  a 
sharp  sickle.  The  ministers  of  the  chnrch  find,  on  this 
occasion,  a  work  suited  to  their  own  character  to  perform. 
The  Son  of  Man,  at  their  solicitations,  punishes  the  nations 
by  breaking  the  potsherds  of  the  earth  against  each  other. 
The  ministers  of  peace  take  no  active  part  in  these  deeds  of 
blood — but  they  are  directed  to  gather  the  clusters  of  the 
vine,  and  to  cast  them  into  the  wine  press,  that  they  may  be 
trodden  by  Messiah.  All  the  corrupt  establishments,  or 
ecclesiastical  systems  of  the  Latin  world,  are  pointed  out  as 
the  viiie  of  the  earth,  to  distinguish  them  from  the  true  vine. 
Church  and  State  are  combined  in  the  Antichristian  apostasy. 
The  harvest,  first  in  order,  and  now  going  on,  falls  more 
immediately  on  the  secular  power,  but  greatly  afl:ects  the 
ecclesiastical  interests  of  the  empire.  The  vintage,  which 
succeeds  the  harvest,  and  is  a  much  more  dreadful  judgment, 
symbolizes  more  immediately  the  destruction  of  corrupt 
churches,  but  will  necessarily  involve  all  who  make  a  common 
cause  with  the  vine  of  the  earth,  in  irretrievable  ruin.  For 
the  Ijeast,  and  the  false  proj)het,  and  all  who  loorshijy  the 
image  of  the  heast,  shall  be  destroyed.  Great  is  the  destruc- 
tion. They  are  trodden  in  the  wine-press  of  the  fierceness 
and  wrath  of  Almighty  God.  The  blood  comes  to  the 
horse-bridles  by  the  space  of  1,000  furlongs — about  200 
miles,  the  distance  between  the  city  of  Rome  and  the  river 
Po,  and  are  supposed  to  designate  the  pope's  own  territories, 


208  MEMOIR   OF   ALEXAifDEE   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

called  Peter's  patrimony,  as  tlic  peculiar  seat  of  tlie  last  war. 
This  may  be  tlie  case,  biit  it  is  mucli  more  probable,  says  our 
author,  that  the  tweutieth  verse  is  to  be  taken  metaphori- 
cally, as  denoting  a  very  great  and  general  slaughter.     If 
the    claims    of    tyranny   and    superstition    be    effectually 
defeated,  and  correct  principles  established  on  their  ruin,  it 
is  of  little  consequence  to  the  moral  world  and  to  the  church 
of  God,  where  battles  are  fought,  or  where  is  the  peculiar 
seat  of  the  last  war.     A2yj)lication.' — The  author  concludes 
his  lectures  with  a  call  upon  all  true  Christians,  to  cherish 
the  hope  of  a  speedy  release  from  Antichristian  bondage. 
'The  time  of  the  last  judgment  upon  Antichrist  is  distinctly 
marked — the  close  of  the  period  of  1260  years.    If  these 
years  are  to  be  calculated  according  to  Jewish  usage,  the 
final  overthow  of  the  beast  and  the  papacy  may  be  expected 
to  take  place  in  the  year  1848.     If  the  calculation  be  made 
by  common  solar  time,  the  man  of  sin  will  retain  his  power 
until  the  year  186G.     Tlie  author  prefers  the  latter — men 
will   differ.     The  writer  of  this  review  would  prefer  the 
former.     Several  reasons  might  be  given  in  support  of  this 
opinion  ;  one  alone  shall  be  offered.     It  is  taken  from  the 
numbers  used  by  John  in  stating  the  period  of  Antichrist's 
reign.     Twice  it  is  said  to  be  1260  days.     Once  it  is  denom- 
inated a  time,  and  times,  and  half  a  time.     And  twice  it  is 
represented  as  42  months.     All  these  point  out  the  same 
period.     Time  is  put  for  one  year,  times  will  then  be  two 
years,  and  half  a  time  will  be  half  a  year.     Tln-ee  years  and 
a  half  of  twelve  months  each,  make  forty  and  two  months, 
and  forty-two  months  of  thirty  days  each,  amount  to  1260 
days,  that  is  years  according  to  prophetic  style.     K'ow  as  all 
these  point  out  the  same  period,  it  would  seem  that  the  same 
principle  should  regulate  the  whole,  tliat  no  interpretation 


THE    ONE   FOLD. 


209 


sliould  be  given  to  the  days  tliat  would  make  tlicin  differ 
from  tlic  months.  If  the  fortj-two  months  are  taken  to  be 
thirty-day  months,  according  to  the  Jewish  calculation,  they 
will  produce  12G0  days.  But  if  they  contain  either  more 
or  less,  they  will  not.  But  twelve  months,  of  thirty  days 
each,  will  not  make  one  year  of  our  calendar — they  will 
produce  3G0  days  only.  The  difference  of  five  days  and 
almost  six  hours  each  year  nnist  be  deducted  from  the 
whole  amount  if  calculated  according  to  solar  time.  This 
will  bring  the  18GG  to  18i8.  The  author  earnestly  urges  all 
Christians,  from  a  review  of  the  contents  of  this  chapter,  to 
co-operate  with  one  another  in  every  land — to  lay  aside  their 
jealousies,  and  the  prejudices  of  party  spirit.  He  exhorts 
all  to  awake  from  their  stupor— to  arise  from  their  languor- 
to  return  from  their  wandering,  and  ascending  the  several 
sides  of  Mount  Zion,  let  them  meet  on  its  lofty  summit, 
where,  in  company  with  the  Lamb,  they  shall  join  in  the 
music  of  the  harp,  and  become  one  fold. 


210         MEMOIR  OF  ALEXANDER  MCLEOD,  D.D. 


CHAPTEE    XI. 

1815. 
A  Brief  Notice  of  the  Sermons  on  the  Late  War.    By  Gilbert  McMaster,  D.D. 

Tbe  preacliiiig  and  publication  of  these  discourses  may, 
perhaps,  at  tliis  day,  require  a  word  of  explanation  not 
called  for  at  the  time  of  their  first  appearance.  Should  any 
consider  them  as  a  mere  political  effusion,  thrown  out  to 
serve  a  mere  party  purpose,  he  would  greatly  misunderstand 
both  tlieir  character  and  the  spirit  of  the  author.  He  con- 
temjDlated  the  subject  of  these  sermons  as  one  of  public 
morals.  The  rights  of  the  United  States,  the  invasion  of 
those  rights  by  the  j)ublic  enemy,  and  the  duty  of  the 
citizen  in  their  maintenance,  and  in  repelling  the  invasion 
of  them,  involved,  in  his  view,  no  small  portion  of  moral 
consideration.  In  this  light  the  whole  subject  was  con- 
templated by  Dr.  McLeod;  and  in  a  spirit  corresponding 
with  this  view  he  discussed  it,  earnestly  desiring,  while 
vindicating  the  cause  of  his  country,  to  subserve,  by  his 
labors,  the  high  purposes  of  moral  order. 

Those  who  never  thought  of  the  movements  of  empires  in 
any  other  light  than  as  the  efi'ects  of  the  momentary  ambi- 
tion of  aspiring  men,  or  who  apprehended  not  the  rela- 
tions in  which  God  had  placed  the  United  States  of  ISTorth 
America,  and  the  influence  which  their  system  of  govern- 


THE   WAR   OF    1812.  211 

ment  and  principles  of  public  policy  were  calculated  to 
extend  over  the  nations  of  the  earth,  as  well  as  the  mere 
partisan,  were,  indeed,  sometimes  inclined  to  speak  of  "  the 
Sermons  on  the  War"  as  mere  political  exhibitions;  and 
consequently  unfit  discussions  for  the  pulpit  by  any,  but 
especiall}'  by  an  evangelical  minister  of  the  Ecdecmer  so 
distinguished  as  the  then  pastor  of  the  church  in  Chamber 
street.  Some  good  men,  uuacquainted  with  the  circum- 
stances of  the  times  at  this  and  at  a  future  day  may, 
perhaps,  be  disposed  to  entertain  a  similar  opinion.  Pre- 
viously, therefore,  to  a  direct  notice  of  the  discourses  them- 
selves, it  may  not  be  deemed  out  of  place  to  refer  to  the 
course  of  policy  adopted  and  perseveringly  pursued  by 
Great  Britain  towards  the  United  States,  and  which  issued 
in  the  war  of  1S12  ;  as  well  as  to  the  state  of  thing-s  at  home, 
Avhich  called  forth  these  sermons  in  1814. 

After  a  seven  years'  bloody  conflict — it  must  be  kept  in 
recollection  that  the  British  cabinet,  under  tlic  influence 
of  defeats,  disappointments,  and  expiring  hopes  as  to 
success  in  the  scheme  of  subjugating  the  United  States, 
reluctantly  recognized  their  independence.  England's 
policy  towards  the  States,  subsequently  to  that  event,  was 
marked  by  unkiuduess  and  jealousy.  The  manifestations 
of  unfriendly  sentiments  were  repeated  and  numerous. 
Among  these  had  a  place,  the  long  delay  in  executing  the 
treaty  of  1783  :  "  American  posts  upon  the  northern  frontier 
had  been  forcibly  retained  by  Great  Britain ;  her  voice  had 
been  heard  from  Quebec  and  Montreal,  instigating  the 
savages  to  war;  her  invisible  arm  was  felt  in  the  defeats 
of  1790  and  1791 ;  and  even  the  victory  of  General  "Wayne, 
in  1791,  was  achieved  in  the  presence  of  a  fort  which  she 
had  erected  far  within   the   territorial  boundaries  of  the 


212         MEMOIR  OF  ALEXANDER  MCLEOD,  D.D. 

United  States,  to  stimulate  and  countenance  the  barbarities 
of  the  Indian  warrior."*  But  we  forl)ear  entering  upon  a 
detailed  history  of  her  invasion  of  neutral  rights,  by  an 
attempt  to  revive  the  illegal  rule  of  the  war  of  175 6,f 
sought  at  that  time  to  be  enforced  by  Great  Britain 
n-pon  neutral  powers ;  by  disregard  of  the  known  laws 
of  nations ;  by  violation  of  treaty  stipulations ;  by  the 
shedding  of  American  blood  in  time  of  peace,  within  the 
waters  of  the  United  States,  as  in  the  case  of  Pearce ;  and 
by  violent  attacks  upon  their  vessels,  as  in  the  instance  of 
the  Leo])ard  and  the  Chesaj^eake,  in  sight  of  our  own  shores. 
These  outrages  put  to  trial  the  pride,  the  fortitude,  and  the 
patience  of  America.  The  cup  of  insolence  was  not  yet 
exhausted. 

The  immediate  causes  of  the  war  of  1812  are  to  be  sought 
for  in  the  British  orders  of  council,  against  the  neutral  com- 
merce of  the  United  States,  and  in  the  impressment  of 
American  seamen  by  the  officers  of  the  public  vessels  of 
Great  Britain. 

In  the  fierceness  of  the  conflict  between  Great  Britain 
and  France,  the  long  settled  rights  of  neutral  jJowers  were 
disregarded,  the  laws  of  nations  Avere  violated,  and  tlie 
principles  of  moral  rectitude  were  trampled  under  foot  by 
the  belligerents.  In  this  course  of  outrage  Great  Britain 
led  the  way.  Her  orders  in  council  of  May  IGth,  1806, 
declaring  in  a  state  of  blockade  the  whole  coast  from  the 
mouth  of  the  Elbe  to  Brest,  inclusive  of  those  two  points,  as 

*  Adams'  and  Eandoljili's  Corresp.  State  paper  of  1815. 

t  This  rule  was  iiiteudcd  to  exclude  neutral  powers  from  a  participation 
in  the  trade  between  the  colonics  and  the  mother  country  in  time  of  war, 
which  had  not  been  granted  in  time  of  peace.  A  rule  never  admitted  into 
the  code  of  international  law. 


OEDEES    IN    COUNCIL.  213 

well  as  of  every  river  and  port  between  tlicni ;  and  that 
without  pretending  to  be  able,  legally,  to  sustain  the  block- 
ade, inflicted  deep  injury  upon  American  commerce.  The 
retaliatory  decree  of  the  French  emperor  of  the  2l8t 
November  following,  though  really  a  dead  letter,  and 
altogether  inoperative  against  the  British  empire,  gave 
occasion  to  the  order  in  council  of  ISTovember  11,  1807. 
This  order  operated  almost  exclusively  against  the  United 
States.  What  manifested  its  injustice  was  the  fact  that 
America  had  maintained  a  strict  neutrality.  Add  to  this 
the  fact  that  the  whole  marine  force  of  Britain  was  utterly 
inadequate  to  maintain,  according  to  the  law  of  nations,  the 
blockade  of  the  coast  of  the  French  Empire  and  that  of  its 
allies.  In  this  order  there  was  an  extraordinary  display  of 
insolence  as  well  as  of  injustice.  Exemption  from  its  opera- 
tion upon  American,  commerce  could  not  be  obtained, 
except  by  landing  even  American  productions  at  a  British 
port,  paying  duties,  reshipping,  and  going  out  under  the 
sanction  of  a  British  clearance !  Tlie  Emperor  IsTapoleon 
replied  to  these  acts  of  violence  by  the  decrees  of  Milan  of 
23d  of  JSTovember  and  17th  of  December,  1807. 

The  American  government,  unwilling  to  plunge  the  coun- 
try into  a  bloody  war,  and  at  the  same  time  determined  to 
give  no  countenance  to  the  principles  assumed  in  the  orders 
of  council,  or  in  the  decrees  of  the  French  emj^eror,  exer- 
cised a  dignified  self-command  in  directing  the  citizens  for 
a  time  to  retire,  in  a  great  measure,  from  the  ocean ;  leaving 
the  belligerents  to  execute  upon  each  other  the  penalties  of 
their  respective  codes  of  barbarous  warfare.  This  dignified 
retirement  was  not  without  a  solemn  protest,  still  maintained 
with  firmness  against  the  invasion  of  neutral  rights  by  the 
parties  at  war.     The  ships  of  Britain  were  forbidden  to  enter 


214  MEMOm    OF   ALEXANDER   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

tlie  waters  of  the  United  States,  and  against  botli  England 
and  France  a  non-interconrse  act  was  passed ;  tlie  Federal 
Government  at  tlie  same  time  announcing  to  botli  the 
nations,  that  should  they,  or  cither  of  them,  in  reference 
to  America,  repeal  their  injurious  orders  or  offensive 
decrees,  the  non-intercourse  law  should  forthwith  be  sus- 
pended, so  far  as  the  power  so  acting  was  concerned. 

Both  France  and  Great  Britain  felt  the  loss  of  American 
commerce ;  and  whilst,  in  violation  of  the  principles  of 
justice,  they  made  war  upon  the  legitimate  commerce  of 
neutral  powers,  in  contradiction  to  all  the  dictates  of  honor- 
able consistency,  each  of  the  belligerents  connived  at  an 
underhand  intercourse  between  themselves,  under  the  sanc- 
tion of  special  licenses. 

As  Great  Britain  was  first  in  transgression,  so  she  was 
most  perseveringly  injurious.  'No  member  of  her  cabinet 
was  known,  Avhile  those  aggressive  acts  were  in  progress,  to 
utter  a  single  sentiment  of  honorable  disapprobation  of  the 
course  pursued,  or  to  manifest  a  spirit  of  relenting  or  regret, 
at  the  injuries  inflicted  upon  a  neutral  and  unoffending 
people.  Yiolent  as  undoubtedly  were  the  measures  of  ]^apo- 
leon,  this  was  not  altogether  the  case  with  him.  His  plea 
of  justification  was  that  of  necessary  retaliation  upon  a  bar- 
barous enemy,  in  self  defence,  and  professing,  at  the  same 
time,  his  readiness  to  repeal  his  decrees,  as  soon  as  England 
should  abandon  her  orders.  "  It  is,"  said  Napoleon,  on  the 
passing  of  the  Milan  decrees,  "  It  is  with  great  pain  that  we 
have  thus  made  the  interests  of  individuals  dependent  upon 
the  quarrels  of  kings,  and  have  been  oUigccl  to  return,  after 
so  many  years  of  civilization,  to  the  jprind/ples  wJdcJi  charac- 
terize the  larbarism  of  the  earliest  ages.  But  we  have  been 
constrained,  for  the  good  of  our  people  and  of  our  allies,  to 


KELUCTANCE  TO  CONTEND.  215 

oppose  to  tlie  common  enemy  the  same  arms  wliieli  lie 
wields  against  us.  These  resolutions  (decrees)  are  the  result 
of  a  just  sentiment  of  reciprocity,  and  have  been  inspired 
neither  by  passion  nor  by  hatred."* 

The  impressment  of  American  seamen  from  American 
ships,  pursuing  a  legitimate  commerce  upon  the  highway 
of  nations,  was  the  other  grievance  which  led  to  the  war. 
The  Federal  Government  at  all  times  professed  a  readiness 
to  enter  into  arrangements  with  Great  Britain  upon  this 
subject,  which  for  the  future  should  be  satisfactory,  and 
would  prevent  every  ground  of  collision ;  and  never  refused 
to  give  up  the  British  deserter,  found  in  the  American  ser- 
vice, upon  probation  of  the  fact  of  his  desertion  before  a 
competent  authority.  But  the  United  States  did  object  to 
the  subjecting  of  the  persons,  the  liberty,  and  the  rights,  of 
American  citizens  to  either  the  caprice,  the  insolence,  or  the 
wants  of  a  British  naval  officer — often  incompetent  to  be 
intrusted  with  matters  of  infinitely  less  importance ;  or  to 
admit  the  right  of  invading  their  territory,  by  a  foreign 
power,  to  put  at  hazard  the  life  or  liberty  of  any  who  had 
sought  and  found,  constitutionally,  an  asylum  within  that 
territory.  The  deck  of  an  American  ship,  covered  by  the 
American  flag,  except  for  articles  contraband  of  war,  is 
deemed  as  sacred  as  any  spot  within  American  jurisdiction. 
The  man  who  occupies  a  place  upon  that  deck,  of  whatever 
country,  is  entitled  to  the  protection  of  the  flag  that  waves 
over  it,  until,  by  the  judgment  of  a  competent  tribunal,  it 
be  decided  that  to  this  protection  he  has  no  legitimate  claim. 
Under  the  pretext  of  reclaiming  deserters,  thousands  of  our 
citizens  had  been  dragged  from  their  own  ships,  forced  on 
board  the  floating  prisons  of  Britain,  compelled  to  fight  her 

*  rub.  Documents,  No.  2,  p.  400  ;  23a  Cong. 


216  MEMOIR   OF   ALEXANDER  MCLEOD,    D.D. 

guilty  battles,  and  even  to  aid  in  carrying  into  effect  her 
outrageous  orders  against  tlie  sovereign  rights  of  their  own 
country. 

In  this  contest  were  involved  principles  of  deep  interest. 
The  right  of  expatriation  was  now  contested;  and  against 
it  was  urged  the  claim  of  perpetual  allegiance  to  the  govern- 
ment of  the  place  of  a  man's  nativity.  Great  Britain  had, 
indeed,  set  the  example  of  the  right  of  expatriation,  in  her 
own  laws  for  naturalizing  citizens  of  other  States,  or 
subjects  of  other  kingdoms;  but  now,  in  reference  to  those 
born  under  her  dominion,  she  denies  the  right.  By  the 
proclamations  of  her  Prince  Begent,  her  subjects  who  had 
emigrated  to  other  countries  were  repeatedly  called  upon  to 
return  home ;  and  by  that  issued  from  Carlton  House,  of  the 
date  of  July  23d,  1814,  in  connection  with  the  assertion  of 
unalienable  allegiance  to  his  Britannic  majesty,  it  was 
threatened,  that  should  any  of  those  born  in  the  British 
dominions  be  found  in  the  ships  or  armies  of  the  States, 
bearing  arms  against  him,  they  w^ould  be  considered  as 
guilty  of  high  treason,  and  be  treated  according  to  the 
utmost  rigor  of  the  law.  To  show  that  this  was  not  to  be 
viewed  as  an  empty  threat,  selections  of  naturalized  citizens 
of  the  United  States  were  made,  from  among  the  prisoners 
of  war  then  in  the  hand  of  the  rulers  of  Britain,  and  were 
threatened  with  the  penalty  of  high  treason. 

The  Federal  Government,  that  the  enemy  might  be 
deterred  from  his  bloody  purpose,  selected  a  double  number 
of  his  subjects,  now  prisoners  in  the  States,  and  declared  the 
determined  purpose  of  a  terrible  retaliation,  should  any 
violence  be  done  to  those  adopted  citizens  of  the  United 
States  then  under  arrest  in  England.  This  decisive  measure, 
like  that  of  the  First  Consul  of  France,  in  the  somewhat 


AMERICAN   HUMANITY.  217 

similar  case  of  Gen,  Tandy,  liad  tlie  desired  and  expected 
effect.  American  liumanit}^  was  well  known ;  and,  at  the 
court  o£  St.  James,  it  was  as  well  known,  that  to  the  voice 
of  a  sickly  sentimentalism,  interfering  with  public  justice 
and  the  principles  of  j^lighted  faith,  no  ear  would  be  lent  by 
this  country,  or  its  government.  The  uplifted  hand  of 
England  was  stayed  from  the  execution  of  the  barbarous 
threat  of  her  cabinet.  The  government  of  the  United  States, 
at  this  time,  would  make  no  difference  between  the  native 
and  naturalized  citizen.  America  had  given  her  pledge  to 
her  adopted  sons,  and  that  pledge  she  nobly  redeemed. 

France,  at  length,  met  the  overtures  of  the  Federal  Gov- 
ernment, by  assuring  the  American  minister,  that  the  Berlin 
and  Milan  decrees  should  cease  to  operate  against  the  United 
States  from  the  1st  of  November,  1810  ;  and  the  proclama- 
tian  of  the  President  of  ISTovember  2d,  in  the  same  year, 
announced  the  cessation  of  the  non-intercourse  act,  as  it 
respected  France ;  and  allowed  to  Britain  the  advantage  of 
this,  till  the  10th  of  the  following  February,  with  certifica- 
tion, however,  that  should  her  orders  in  council  not  be 
rescinded,  that  act  should  be  then  revived  against  her  in  all 
its  force. 

Conti'ary  to  justice,  and  regardless  of  understood  engage- 
ments, the  British  government  persevered  in  its  mischievous 
course.  This  perseverance  in  wrong,  and  in  the  accumula- 
tion of  outrage,  on  the  part  of  England,  at  length  exhausted 
the  almost  exhaustless  S]3rings  of  American  forbearance. 
The  declaration  of  war  was  the  result.  In  a  review  of  the 
whole  coui*se  of  the  United  States,  in  their  dignified  forbear- 
ance under,  and  honorable  resistance  of  British  aggression, 
the  compliment  of  a  foreign  historian*  will  be  found  as 

*  Bignon. 

15 


218  MEMOIR   OF   ALEXANDKR  MCLEOD,    D.D . 

applicable  to  every  part,  as  to  that  act  to  wliicli  lie  more 
directly"  refers.  "  This  act  of  the  American  government 
pleases  the  imagination  and  the  judgment,  as  it  presents  an 
instance  of  a  nation,  which,  notwithstanding  the  extreme 
inferiority  of  its  forcos,  preserves  its  dignity  towards  a  pow- 
erful state." 

The  following  extract  from  a  paper  of  great  power,  read 
in  the  cabinet  at  Washington,  and  intended  to  be  addressed 
as  an  appeal  to  the  people,  giving  an  exposition  of  the  causes 
and  character  of  the  war,  but  which  subsequent  circum- 
stances did  not  require  the  public  authorities  to  promulgate, 
will  not  be  out  of  place  in  this  connection.     "  XJnhapj)ily, 
every  appeal  to   the  justice    and   magnanimity   of    Great 
Britain  was  now,  as  heretofore,  fruitless  and  forlorn.       She 
had  impressed  from  the  crews  of  American  merchant  vessels, 
peaceably  navigating  the   high  seas,  not  less  than  G,000 
mariners,  who  claimed  to  be  citizens  of  the  United  States, 
and  who  were  denied  all  opportunity  to  verify  their  claims. 
She  had  seized  and  confiscated  the  commercial  property  of 
American  citizens   to   an  incalculable  amount.      She  had 
united  in  the  enormities  of  France,  to  declare  a  great  pro- 
portion of  the  terraqueous   globe  in  a  state  of  blockade ; 
chasing  the  American  merchant  flag  eifectually  from  the 
ocean.     She  has  contemptuously  disregarded  the  neutrality 
of  the  American  territory,  and  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Ame- 
rican laws  within  the  waters  and  harbors  of  the  United 
States.     She  has  enjoyed  the  emoluments  of  a  surreptitious 
trade,  stained  with  every  species  of  fraud  and  corruption, 
which  gave  to  the  belligerent  powers  the  advantages  of 
peace,  while  the  neutral  powers  were  involved  in  the  evils 
of  war.     She  had,  in  short,  usurped  and  exercised  on  the 
water,  a  tp-anny  similar  to  that  which  her  great  antagonist 


DECLAKATION    OF   WAE.  219 

bad  exercised  upon  tlie  land.  And,  amidst  all  these  proofs 
of  ambition  and  avarice,  she  demanded  that  the  victims 
of  ber  usurpations  and  her  violence,  sbould  revere  ber  as  the 
sole  defender  of  the  rights  and  liberties  of  mankind. 

"  When,  therefore,  Great  Britain,  in  manifest  violation  of 
ber  solemn  promises,  refused  to  follow  the  example  of 
France  by  the  repeal  of  her  orders  in  council,  the  American 
government  was  compelled  to  contemplate  a  resort  to  arms, 
as  the  only  remaining  course  to  be  pursued,  for  its  honor, 
its  independence,  and  its  safety.  Whatever  depended  upon 
the  United  States  themselves,  the  United  States  bad  per- 
formed for  the  preservation  of  peace,  in  resistance  of  the 
French  decrees,  as  well  as  of  the  British  orders.  What  had 
been  required  from  France,  in  ber  relation  to  the  neutral 
character  of  the  United  States,  France  has  performed  by  the 
revocation  of  the  Berlin  and  Milan  decrees.  But  what 
depended  upon  great  Britain,  for  the  purpose  of  justice, 
in  the  repeal  of  her  orders  in  council,  was  withheld  ;  and 
new  evasions  were  sought  when  the  old  were  exhausted. 
*  *  -jf  *  *  ->f  'I'lie  Congress  of  the  United  States 
could  pause  no  longer.  Under  a  deep  and  afflicting  sense  of 
the  national  wrongs,  and  the  national  resentments,  ^^  *  * 
they  pronounced  a  deliberate  and  solemn  declaration  of 
war,  between  Great  Britain  and  the  United  States,  on  the 
ISth  of  January,  1812." 

Public  sentiment  in  the  United  States,  by  a  great  majority, 
sustained  the  measures  of  the  government ;  but  not  without 
embarrassment  from  the  influence  of  a  powerful  and  active 
minority  in  opposition.  Upon  the  measures  of  that  ill- 
advised  opposition  we  have  no  disposition  to  enter  in  detail. 
The  agony  of  mind  experienced  at  that  day  by  the  friends 
of  the  administration,  in  view  of  the  accumulation  of  inju- 


220  MEMOIR    OF   ALEXANDER   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

ries  which  liacl  been  heaped  upon  their  coiintiy  ;  in  view  of 
the  victors  of  Waterloo  now  ready  to  be  poured  forth  in 
myriads  npon  onr  shores  ;  and  in  view  of  faction,  in  various 
forms,  doing  its  evil  work  at  home,  is,  perhaps,  not  yet 
sufficiently  forgotten  to  allow  the  passing  of  a  judgment 
entirely  impartial,  in  the  premises. 

It  would  be  unjust  to  many  then  in  opposition  to  accuse 
them  of  defect  in  patriotism.     "  I  know,"  said  an  old  and 
honorable  Federalist,  at  this  time — "  I  know  that  I  love  my 
country ;  for  my  heart  feels  the  wounds  that  are  inflicted 
upon  her."     Every  right-hearted  man,  of  whatever  party, 
could  have  said  this.     The  party  in  opposition,  according  to 
their  numbers,  were  not  inferior  in  intellectual  and  moral 
worth,  to  those  who  held  the  reins  of  government.     To  their 
leading  men  it  is  but  fair  to   admit,  that  they  honestly 
diflered  with  the  Republican  j)arty  in  their  views  of  policy. 
When  the  future  historian  shall  record  the  judgment  of  an 
impartial  public  oj^inion  on  this  subject,  he  will  not  leave 
unnoticed,  in  mitigation,  the  honorable  grounds  of  opposi- 
tion from  difference  of  principle  ;  and  the  great  pressure  of 
the  times  upon  a  section  of  country,  whose  capital  had 
almost  entirely  been  embarked  in  commerce,  nov/  well-nigh 
annihilated.     The  plea  of  "  State  rights,"  too,  which  in  so 
many  States  has  been  urged  at  different  times,  by  men  of 
undoubted  integrity  and  patriotism,  will  not  be  forgotten. 

This  reference  to  past  events  is  not  for  the  purpose  of 
reviving  old  resentments,  either  as  regards  the  nation  with 
which  we  were  then  at  war,  or  the  men  who  led  in  opposi- 
tion at  home.  The  motive  is  very  different.  The  recurrence 
to  the  history  of  those  painful  scenes  is  in  explanation  of 
the  decided  course  taken  by  our  venerable  friend  in  that 
conflict.     In  that  contest  he  saw  involved  the  rights  of  his 


BEITISH  wniGS.  221 

adopted  country,  the  rights  of  independent  nations,  and 
some  of  the  fundamental  principles  of  public  morality,  and 
of  the  rights  of  individual  man.  A  recurrence  of  the  evils 
of  that  day  of  trial,  it  is  hoped  our  country  will  never  again 
witness  ;  and  the  fact  that  they  may  never  recur,  the  more 
justifies  this  reference. 

The  men  who  then  directed  the  jjolicy  of  the  British 
empire,  did  not  truly  represent  the  sentiments  of  the  jjeople 
of  that  empire.  In  the  breasts  of  British  whigs,  the  com- 
plaints of  American  wrongs  had  a  responding  sympathy. 
Though  not  in  the  cabinet,  yet  upon  the  floor  of  Parliament 
and  in  their  enlightened  and  liberal  journals,  the  iwinci^les 
of  the  American  cause  had  zealous  and  powerful  advocates. 
The  days  of  a  narrow-minded  and  jealous  policy,  it  is 
trusted,  have  given  place  to  those  of  views  and  measures 
more  worthy  of  enlightened  statesmen.  The  people  of  the 
British  empire  are  in  progress  toward  a  better  state  of 
things.  The  bands  of  an  arrogant  aristocracy  will  soon  be 
broken,  and  the  yoke  of  insolent  establishments  no  longer 
bear  heavily  on  the  public  mind.  They  and  the  citizens  of 
the  United  States  must  henceforth  see,  that  between  them 
there  can  be  no  legitimate  matter  of  contest,  except  an 
emulation  to  excel,  in  the  prosecution  of  measures  which 
most  effectually  tend  to  promote  the  intellectual,  moral,  and 
social  elevation  of  man. 

In  the  indications  of  prophecy,  of  which  the  distinguished 
author  of  those  discourses  was  an  attentive  student  and  able 
interpreter,  and  in  the  light  of  the  promise  of  which  he  was 
a  firm  believer,  he  saw  in  prospect,  this  elevated  state  of 
man.  lie  was  well  persuaded  that  the  American  cause, 
now  in  contest  witli  Britain,  was  one  of  the  important  means 
leading  to  that  desirable  result ;  and  no  doubt  entered  his 


222  MEMOIR   OF   ALEXANDER   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

mind,  that  the  war  now  waged  in  behalf  of  that  cause 
would  subserve,  under  the  direction  of  the  good  Providence 
of  God,  its  ultimate  attainment,  among  the  nations  of  the 
earth.  The  frame  of  the  British  government,  as  well  as  the 
habitual  character  of  its  administration,  he  considered  as,  in 
its  spirit,  opposed  to  the  rights  both  of  God  and  man.  The 
countenance  given  to  the  policy  of  that  government,  by 
many  in  the  ranks  of  the  opposition,  he  considered  as 
immoral  in  its  bearing  ;  and,  of  course,  never  heard  with 
patience  the  influence  of  religion  invoked,  to  sustain  the 
cause  of  Britain  against  the  United  States. 

He  had  been  an  attentive  observer  of  the  progress  of 
events  in  past  years.  ISTow  he  had  full  before  him  the 
details  of  the  policy  of  the  enemy,  "  ecpially  distinguished 
by  the  deformity  of  its  features  and  depravity  of  its  charac- 
ter. By  it  Great  Britain  had  violated  the  principles  of 
social  law  by  insidious  attempts  to  excite,  in  a  state  ofpeace^ 
the  citizens  of  the  United  States  into  acts  of  contumacy, 
treason,  and  revolt,  against  their  government,"  as  in  the 
instance  of  Henry's  mission.  "  She  had  violated  the  laws 
of  humanity  and  honor,  by  seeking  alliance  with  pirates, 
savages,  and  slaves.  She  had  violated  the  laws  of  civilized 
warfare  by  plundering  private  property ;  by  outraging 
female  honor ;  by  burning  unprotected  cities,  towns,  villages 
and  houses  ;  and  by  laying  waste  whole  districts  of  unre- 
sisting country."  "Washington  city,  with  its  public  library 
and  various  monuments  of  the  fine  arts,  in  the  spirit  of 
vandal  warfare,  had  been  laid  in  ashes ;  a  fleet  was  making 
its  way  down  Lake  Champlain,  while  a  j^owerful  army,  on 
•the  shore  of  that  water,  was  on  its  march  to  Plattsburg ; 
certain  ports  were  actually  in  the  possession  of  the  enemy  ; 
the  harbor  of  ]^cw  York  was  blockaded  by  his  ships  of  war ; 


MOEAL   COUEAGE.  223 

the  South  was  tlireatened  Avitli  invasion,  and  was  soon 
invaded  by  troops  flushed  with  the  results  of  the  field  of 
Waterloo.  Meantime  the  Northern  opposition  were  concen- 
trating their  forces,  for  the  projected  measures  of  the  Hart- 
ford Convention ;  while  some,  unhappily,  averred  that 
religion  and  sound  morals,  as  well  as  the  cause  of  liberty, 
were  ranged  on  the  side  of  Britain,  as  their  protector  and 
patron. 

It  was  in  this  state  of  afiairs,  and  under  these  circum- 
stances, that  our  venerable  friend,  to  unmask  the  deceptions 
which  were  in  progress,  taking  his  reputation  in  his  hand 
and  summoning  his  moral  courage,  while  confiding  in  the 
Providence  of  a  promising  God,  appeared  in  the  ranks  where 
he  knew  he  must  attack  the  opinions  of  men,  with  wliom  he 
was  in  habits  of  familiar  friendship' — men  whom  he  resjDected 
and  loved;  but  whom  he  considered  as  laboring  under  a 
temporary  misapprehension  of  social  obligation  and  patriotic 
duty.  The  sermons  before  us  were  the  results  of  this 
appearance — Christians  were  summoned  to  rally  around  the 
standard  of  their  country.  AVhile  the  opposition  to  the 
government  attempted  to  paralyze  the  exertions  of  the 
public  arm,  his  endeavor  was  to  nerve  that  arm  with 
strength,  by  inspiring  the  public  mind  with  confidence  in 
the  rectitude  of  the  country's  cause.  In  that  day  of  gloom 
he  vindicated  that  cause ;  he  rebuked  the  misapplication  of 
that  religion  which  he  understood  and  loved,  which  had 
attempted  to  turn  its  voice  against  the  measures  of  the 
United  States,  in  that  ciDutest ;  and  he  succeeded  in  rousing 
the  spirit  of  the  friend  of  his  country  to  more  vigorous 
action,  by  assuring  him  that  his  cause  was  good — that  it  was 
sustained  by  the  principles  of  true  religion,  by  the  dictates 
of  pure  morality,  and  that  the  issue  would  be  happy.     "Who 


224:  MEMOm   OF   ALEXANDER  MC  LEOD,    D.D. 

will  venture  to  affirm  that,  in  acting  thus,  this  patriotic  man 
neglected  his  duty  ? 

It  is  not  to  be  concealed,  that,  in  connection  with  the 
defence  of  the  cause  of  his  country,  the  author  had  in  view 
the  introduction  of  principles,  before  the  public  mind,  which 
he  judged  to  be  of  permanent  importance  to  the  interests  of 
righteousness  and  peace  among  men.  lie  was  an  ardent,  as 
well  as  an  enlightened  admirer  of  the  jprincijples  of  the 
Protestant  Keformation  of  the  sixteenth  century,  in  Western 
Europe.  Those  principles,  as  they  respected  the  social 
relations  of  men,  he  justly  considered  to  have  obtained  an 
expression  and  development  in  the  British  Islands  during 
the  struggles  against  civil  and  religious  tyranny,  in  the 
seventeenth  century,  which  had  not  been  exemplified  in 
previous  times.  The  British  Heformers  had  before  them  the 
labors  and  experience  of  the  able  and  faithful  advocates  of 
truth  on  the  continent  of  Europe.  In  France,  Holland, 
Switzerland,  and  the  states  of  Germany,  the  cause  of  the 
Reformation  had  been  sustained  by  talent  of  the  highest 
order.  The  spirit-stirring  period  of  the  seventeenth  century 
called  into  action,  in  the  British  empire,  minds  capable  of 
appreciating  what  had  been  done  upon  the  continent,  and 
of  turning  to  good  account  the  rich  fruits  of  those  labors, 
in  enlightened  and  upright  endeavors  to  carry  on  toward 
perfection  what  their  own  fathers  had  commenced  at  home. 
The  Protestant  Reformation  was,  indeed,  a  mighty  work ; 
but  it  is  to  be  contemplated  as  coming  gi*eatly  short  in  its 
developments  of  what  its  enlightened  agents  designed,  and 
consequently,  very  far  from  perfect.  It  may  be  considered 
as  a  bright  gleam  of  light,  spreading  its  rays  through  the 
surrounding  darkness,  and  to  the  careful  observer  indicating 
the   course   to   be   pursued,  iu   order  to  the  attainment  of 


THE   OLD   COVENANTER.  225 

ultimate  objects,  rather  than  as  having  actually  attained 
those  objects.  Some  of  the  first  principles  of  the  Reforma- 
tion, in  the  maintenance  of  -which  the  martyrs  of  the  conti- 
nent and  isles  of  Europe  had  so  profusely  poured  out  their 
precious  blood.  Dr.  McLeod  considered  to  be  embraced  in 
this  American  contest.  So  far  he  viewed  the  cause  of  the 
Reformation  and  that  of  the  United  States  as  identified. 

At  the  time  of  the  publication  of  the  Discourses  on  the 
War,  in  a  letter  to  a  friend,  he  remarked  :  "  My  object  is 
to  spread  the  knowledge  of  our  principles,  in  matters  civil 
and  religious.  The  good  of  my  country  is  the  next  object 
to  the  good  of  Zion.  I  expect  hostility  and  I  am  x^i'epared 
for  it.  That  is,  I  will  bear  it  without  a  frown."  And  in  a 
subsequent  letter,  referring  to  his  j)^^hlication,  he  says : 
"  You  will  not  be  so  much  disappointed  about  it  as  some 
others.  It  was  intended  as  a  display  of  Reformation  ^;?'«i- 
cvples  ^  and  I  dare  say  you  will  think  it  the  best  I  ever 
made.  The  war  is  the  carriage  and  the  equipage  in  which 
the  old  Covenanter  travels  among  the  cities  of  this  land. 
I  venture  to  reveal  to  yoti  the  secret  which  could  not  long  be 
concealed  from  your  own  sagacity." 

Such  were  the  views  of  our  distinguished  and  beloved 
friend.  Love  of  Zion  and  love  of  country  were,  in  his 
bosom,  in  close  alliance ;  and  neither  of  them  was  a  latent 
affection.  Though  possessed  of  great  self-command,  when 
such  objects  were  before  him,  he  had  no  wish,  and  he  made 
no  attempt,  to  repress  the  out-goings  of  his  heart  toward 
them. 

The  effects  produced  by  these  discourses  are  not  forgotten. 
The  author  was  assailed  by  mere  party  men.  To  their 
assaults  he  made  no  reply — he  acted  in  the  spirit  and  to  the 
letter  of  his  resolution  :  "  I  will  bear  it  without  a  frown." 


22G  AIEMOIK   OF   ALEXAITOER   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

To  animadversions  on  Lis  published  opinions  on  various 
subjects,  it  apj)eared  to  be  his  purpose  to  make  no  reply.  It 
was  known  that  he  had  been  thus  attacked,  through  the 
medium  of  the  press,  upward  of  sixty  times ;  but  he  let 
them  pass  without  notice.  Some  of  his  sincere  friends, 
without  opposition  to  his  views,  regretted  that  he  had 
appeared  in  this  controversy,  fearing  that  it  might  interfere, 
in  certain  quarters,  with  his  influence  in  favor  of  sound  evan- 
gelical doctrine,  and  good  ecclesiastical  order.     The  late 

venerable   Dr.  B ,  with  the  kindest  feelings,  in  one  of 

our  interviews  expressed  this  regret.  In  a  conversation 
with  Dr.  McLeod,  at  a  subsequent  period,  this  loss  of 
influence  was  referred  to.  He  was  apprised  of  the  fact ;  but 
remarked :  "  If  they  need  my  help  they  will  come  back, 
and  if  they  do  not  need  it,  no  harm  will  be  done." 

The  favorable  notices  of  the  sermons  in  the  journals  of 
the  time,  and  by  our  first  men,  wQuld  fill  many  pages.  The 
testimony  of  Mr.  Jefterson,  expressed  in  his  note  to  Mr. 
"Wendover,  then  a  member  of  Congress,  is  well  known.  The 
Christian  patriot  who  had  for  a  moment  hesitated  in  doubt, 
was  cheered,  while  in  reading  those  eloquent  and  powerfully 
reasoned  pages,  he  received  the  assurance,  that  when  he 
aided  the  national  arm,  in  the  maintenance  of  national  rights 
against  the  public  enemy,  instead  of  sinning  against  his  God 
and  Kcdeemer,  he  was  fulfilling  a  duty  demanded  by  moral 
right,  and  was  justified  in  doing  so  by  principles  of  public 
law,  as  recognized  by  the  civilized  world  ;  and  especially  by 
the  unen'ing  decisions  of  the  Scriptures  of  truth.  These 
discourses  had  their  share  in  the  production  of  that  unan- 
imity of  sentiment,  at  the  commencement  of  the  following 
year,  which  brought  men  of  all  parties  with  their  counsels 
and  their  means,  to  rally  around  the  standard  of   their 


BATTLE   OF   NEW   OKLEAJSTS. 


227 


countiy,  verifying  the  assertion  of  the  third  President  of 
the  United  States,  upon  his  introduction  of  the  Tresidential 
chair:  "We  are  all  Federalists,  we  are  all  Eepublicans." 
Had  the  war  been  prolonged  another  year,  the  enemy 
would  have  been  swept  from  our  soil.  According  to  himian 
calculation,  the  battle  of  January  8th,  at  New  Orleans 
was  .1  prelude  of  what  would  have  followed. 

It  is  now  time  to  notice  the  Discourses  themselves.  In 
the  prefac?  to  the'fT^st  eri.\iion,  the  author  gives  a  summary 
of  the  motiveV  Wuxch  influenced  him  to  undertake  this 
work ;  asserting  that  what  he  advocated  was  not  a  matter 
of  mere  temporary  interest,  but  "  the  permanent  principles 
of  social  order  and  public  equity."  This  preface  thus  con- 
cludes: "If  the  work  contained  a  single  sentiment  of 
irreligious  or  immoral  tendency,  I  would  cheerfully  consign 
it  to  the  flames.  I  love  mankind,  I  love  the  country  of 
my  choice,  I  love  the  saints ;  and  I  desire  to  promote  the 
best  interests  of  true  religion  and  of  civil  liberty,  because  I 
love  my  God." 

lu  the  preface  to  the  second  edition,  after  congratulating 
his  readers  upon  the  return  of  peace,  and  remarking  on  the 
course  of  the  policy  pursued  by  the  enemy,  he  adds  :  "  Had 
he  speedily  met  our  commissioners  with  a  spirit  of  equity 
and  conciliation,  he  might  have  spared  us  sonie  blood 
and  treasure :  and  he  would  have  saved  for  himself  much 
of  both,  as  well  as,  that  which  is  to  him  of  great  importance 

his  milita/ty  renown.     Heaven  ordered  it  otherwise.     The 

angel  of  the  covenant,  who,  notwithstanding  our  iniquities, 
presides  in  mercy  over  the  destinies  of  our  free  and  happy 
land,  had  decreed,  that  the  enemy  should  send  his  veter- 
ans across  the  Atlantic,  with  their  hard-earned  laui'els,  for 


228  MESIOIR   OF   ALEXANDER   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

the  purpose  of  transferring  them  to  the  brow  of  American 
heroes,  who  fought  and  conquered  in  vindication  of  the 
injured  rights  of  their  country.  In  the  conchiding  blow 
of  the  war  we  have  a  guarantee  that  our  national  Tights 
shall  not  again  be  rashly  invaded.  The  battle  of  Orleans 
cannot  be  forgotten.  "While  we  live  to  enjoy  the  benefits  ol' 
the  pacification,  and  hold  in  honorable  recollection  tie 
deeds  of  the  soldier,  let  us  be  grateful  to  Hm,  who  gave 
courage  to  our  iDarriors  and  success  to  /"  ^-^'naments^  so 
far  as  seemed  to  himself  both  wise  and  g"«fl^d.  Serve  the 
Lord  with  fear,  and  rejoice  with  trembliiig.  }Ie  7naheth 
ivars  to  cease  unto  the  ends  of  the  eafthP 

Sekmon  I. — The  first  sermon  is  founded  upon  Amos  vii. 
12-10.  The  lucid  and  able  introduction  prepares  the  mind 
for  what  follows.  The  j)^^^I>osition  submitted  for  discussion 
is  this  : 

Ministers  have  the  right  of  discussing  from  tlie  ^idpit 
those  ])6litical  guestions  which  affect  Christian  morals. 

The  plan  of  discussion  is — ^To  prove  this  right — and 
remove  objections. 

The  topics  of  argument  by  which  he  vindicates  this  right, 
are — The  object  of  the  ministry,  implied  in  the  commission 
given  by  the  Kedeemer,  instruction  in  righteousness; — what- 
ever regards  sin  and  duty.  Scrij)ture  history,  which  cannot 
be  explained  without  reference  to  political  principles  and 
transactions.  The  system  of  prophecy,  which  contemplates 
the  afiTairs  of  nations.  The  precepts  by  which  we  are  commis- 
sioned to  expound  passages  which  respect  the  mode  of  consti- 
tiding  civil  riders ;  the  character  of  such  as  administer  the 
government — the  duty  of  the  constituted  authorities — the 
conduct  proper  upon  the  part  of   subjects. — Passages  of 


THE   CLEKGT.  229 

Scripture  wliicli  reprove  tliem  who  confer  power  impro- 
perly aiul  ilircateii  magistrates  who  are  immiiidfiil  of  their 
high  obligations. 

These  several  topics  are  handled  with  great  power. 
Beyond  reasonable  contradiction,  the  author  establishes  the 
right  for  wliich  he  contends.  The  fastidiousness  of  timidity 
in  so  many  of  the  clergy,  upon  this  subject,  has  seconded 
the  impertinence  of  infidelity  in  persuading  men,  too 
successfully,  that  the  affairs  of  state  have  no  relation  to 
God,  and  that  those  who  conduct  these  affairs  are  not  under 
religious  responsibilities  to  be  faithful  in  their  place.  How 
will  the  m blister  of  Christ  account  for  his  neglect,  to 
instruct  those  to  whom  he  ministers,  in  their  obligations  to 
act  upon  Christian  principles  and  to  honor  their  Redeemer 
in  civil,  as  well  as  in  religious  life  ?  Let  the  ministry  cease 
to  attach  their  names  to  the  little  partisanship  of  candidates 
for  office,  and  occupy  the  high  ground  of  able  and  fearless 
expounders  of  the  oracles  of  God,  and  the  effects  upon 
political  morality  and  public  character  will  be  happy. 

But  one  remark,  in  this  place,  is  necessary  to  be  kept 
in  mind:  The  ability  to  expound  the  laws  of  public 
morality,  must  be  possessed  by  him  who  engages  in  the 
duty.  The  admission  and  exercise  of  the  right  under  con- 
sideration, connected  with  destitution  of  qualification  for  its 
profitable  employment,  has  sometimes  led  to  dreadful 
blundering.  I^one  lamented  this  fact  more  than  the  venera- 
ble author  of  these  discourses,  when  circumstances  subjected 
him  to  the  penalty  of  hearing  ill-advised  political  ebullitions 
instead  of  enlightened  discussions  of  the  religious  and  moral 
principles  of  truth.  In  the  discoui-sc  before  us,  he  adminis- 
ters caution  against  this  abuse.  "  I  admit,"  says  he,  "  the 
danger  of  abusing  this   and   every  other  right  which   we 


230  MEMOm   OF   ALEXANDER   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

possess ;  and  for  sucli  abuse  we  deserve  correction.  In 
proportion,  too,  to  tlie  danger  of  misrepresenting  the  word 
of  trntli,  should  be  our  caution  in  the  selection  and  dis- 
cussion of  subjects  before  tbe  public. — This  caution  ispeciir 
liarly  necessary  for  those  ministers  who  venture  ^i/pon 
political  remarks.^'' — pp.  19-20. 

Tlie  second  part  of  the  discussion  is  the  removal  of 
objections.  Tlie  objections  are  fairly  stated,  and  ably,  as 
well  as  candidly,  refuted.  The  objections  as  usually  stated 
are — Cbrist  crucified,  is  the  proper  theme  of  ministerial  dis- 
cussion. Tlie  kingdom  of  the  Eedeemer,  is  not  of  this  world. 
Ministers  have  the  care  of  souls,  and  not  of  the  bodily 
estate.  Gospel  hearers  are  divided  in  political  opinions. 
Political  remarks  are  unfavorable  to  devotion.  Preachers 
arc  dictatorial,  and  usually  opposed  to  civil  liberty. 

ISTo  man  of  mind  can  read  tliis  discourse,  in  a  proper 
spirit,  without  profit.  However  strong  the  temptation  to 
indulge  in  quotation,  wo  must  forbear.  We  cannot,  how- 
ever, omit  giving  the  concluding  paragraph  of  the  reply 
to  the  first  objection: — "That  very  reason,  which  the 
objector  urges  against  the  introduction  into  the  pulpit  of 
political  remarks,  we  esteem  as  an  argument  in  its  favor, 
Tlie  objection  proceeds  upon  the  principle,  that  the  gospel 
doctrine,  the  Christian  religion,  is  to  be  perpetually  sepa- 
rated from  the  polity  of  nations  ;  we  go  ujion  tlie  directly 
opposite  principle,  that  civil  rule  should  be  regulated  by 
the  maxims  of  Christian  law.  Seeing,  therefore,  that  we 
determined  to  know  nothing  among  you,  save  Jesus  Christ, 
and  Him  crucified ;  we  introduce  into  this  place  our 
political  sentiments,  and  invite  you  to  correct,  by  the 
revelation  of  truth,  all  your  political  maxims  and  actions. 


KOBEKT   HALL.  231 

Let  lis  recommend  in  tlie  same  breath,  religions  and  civil 
duty.  '■Love  the  hrotherhood — Fear  God — Honor  the 
King:—1  Pet.  ii.  lY." 

It  pleases  tlie  mind  to  perceive  men  distingnislied  for 
talents  and  goodness,  in  different  countries  and  of  different 
religious  communities,  embracing  and  vindicating  the  same 
sentiments.     The  late  Keverend  Kobert  Ilall,  of  England, 

in   animadverting    upon    the    views   of  Mr.    C ,   who 

maintained  that  Christians,  and  especially  Christian  Minis- 
ters, have  nothing  to  do  with  the  discussion  of  political 
subjects,  observes — "  I  have  no  doubt  that  this  event — 
(that  all  men  will  be  Christians,) — ^will  take  place,  and 
rejoice  in  the  prospect  of  it ;  but  whenever  it  arrives,  it  will 

be  fatal  to  Mr.  C 's  favorite  principles,  for  the  professors 

of  Christianity  must  then  become  politicians,  as  the  wicked 
on  whom  he  at  present  very  politely  devolves  the  business 
of  government,  will  be  no  more  ;  or  perhaps,  he  indulges 
a  hope  that  even  then  there  will  be  a  sufficient  number 
of  sinners  left  to  conduct  political  affairs.  -  *  *  *  It 
will  still,  however,  be  a  great  hardship,  that  a  handful  of 
the  wicked  should  rule  innumerable  multitudes  of  the 
just,  and  cannot  fail  according  to  our  present  conceptions, 
to  operate  as  a  kind  of  check  on  piety  and  virtue."  * 

In  repelling  the  latter  part  of  the  sixth  and  last  objection, 
the  preacher  eloquently  appeals  to  the  conduct  of  the  minis- 
ters of  the  Ueformation,  in  the  nations  of  continental  Europe ; 
to  the  Whigs  of  Scotland,  the  Pm-itans  of  England,  and  in 
our  own  Eevolutionary  struggle,  to  the  part  that  was  acted 
by  the  Christian  ministry  of  that  day.  Dr.  McLeod  would 
never  admit  that  the  Christian  ministers  of  the  United 
*  Christianity  consistent  with  a  Love  of  Freedom. 


232  MEilOIR   OF   ALEXANDER   MC  L7-;0D,    D.D. 

States,  as  a  body,  were  hostile  to  civil  liberty ;  nor  would 
he  allow  that  any  but  a  small  minority  of  them,  during 
the  late  war,  were  in  opposition  to  the  administi-atiou  of  the 
government.  In  the  discourse  before  us,  he  accounts  for  a 
secular  priesthood,  when  the  establishment  of  religion  has 
made  them  part  and  parcel  of  the  political  system,  appearing 
as  the  panders  of  despotism.  Tliis,  however,  is  the  cor- 
ruption of  corrupt  establishments,  acting  upon  the  corruption 
of  human  nature,  in  the  production  of  their  evil  designs. 
This  belongs  not  to  the  legitimate  operations  of  the  Christian 
ministry,  upon  its  own  appropriate  field,  and  under  the 
influence  of  its  own  appropriate  principles.  We  conclude 
our  notice  of  this  very  instructive  discourse,  with  the  follow- 
ing quotation : — ■ 

"  There  are  yet  among  our  pastors  men  who,  in  despite  of 
the  baleful  influence  of  party  spirit,  feel  the  force  of  piety 
and  patriotism,  and  remember  their  duty  to  the  cause  of 
equity,  their  country,  and  their  God.  If  tire  rights  and 
liberties  of  this  great  and  growing  empire  are  doomed  to 
perish,  their  last  abode  will  be  found  along  the  side  of  the 
pulpits  of  the  ministers  of  religion.  There  are  men,  iu  that 
sacred  ofhce,  who  would,  in  such  a  case,  use  upon  better 
principles  than  did  the  Eomau  orator,  the  words  which  he 
put  on  the  lips  of  his  distinguished  client,  Titus  Annius 
Milo,  'I  will  withdraw,  and  retire  into  exile:  if  I  cannot  be 
a  member  of  a  virtuous  commonwealth,  it  will  be  some 
satisfaction  not  to  live  in  a  bad  one  ;  and,  as  soon  as  I  set 
foot  in  a  well-regulated  and  free  state,  there  will  I  fix  my 
abode — quarn-prlmum  tetlgero  lene  moratam  ct  I'lberam  cim- 
tatem,  in  ea  conqimscam?  But  no  ?  Liberty  shall  not  perish ! 
The  daughter  of  Zion  rejoices  in  her  fellowship.    Peace  and 


THE   TWO    BELLIGERENTS.  233 

prosj^erity  sliall  hereafter  visit  our  land,  and  dwell  in  our 
habitations.  The  Lord  hasten  it  in  his  own  time,  and  unto 
him  be  glory  in  Christ  Jesus,  vm-ld  without  end.  Amen." — 
pp.  47,  48. 

Sermon  II. — The  second  discourse  is  entitled — "  The  Moral 
Character  of  the  two  Belligerents."  The  text  is,  Dan.  v. 
27.  Telcd  ;  thou  art  weighed  in  the  hcdances^  and  artfov/nd 
wanting. 

The  author  proceeds  to  examine  both  the  American  and 
British  governments  in  the  light  of  inspired  truth.  He 
begins  with  the  national  government  of  the  United  States. 
The  immoralities  charged  against  it  are  comprehended  under 
two  heads :  Disresjyect  for  God,  and  violation  of  human 
liherty.  The  first  of  these  charges  the  author  sustains  by 
the  affirmation  that,  "  God  is  not  acknowledged  ly  the  Con- 
stitutionP 

For  this  omission  no  apology  can  be  made,  or  ought  to  be 
attempted.      That  Being  to    whose   superintending  provi- 
dence an  appeal  had   been  made  in  their  Declaration  of 
Independence,  and  which  appeal  in  the  dispensation  of  his 
providence  was  sustained,  the  States,  in  their  bond  of  Con- 
federation, should  have  with  gratitude,  explicitly,  confessed. 
But   while  we  enter   our   decided  testimony  against   this 
neglect,  that  our  testimony  may  be  true  and  its  application 
just,  it  is  indispensable  that  we  ascertain  the  extent  of  the 
evil.     This  our  venerable  friend  has,  in  part,  accomplished 
in  the  record  before  us,  and  to  which  we  shall  immediately 
refer.     In  addition,  however,  it  is  worthy  of  notice,  that  the 
oath  of  office,  administered  to  the  officers  of  the  Federal 
government,  so  far  as  its  moral  influence  is  concerned,  and 
here  lies  its  chief  force,  does  recognize  and  confess  the  beino- 

16 


234        MEMOm  OF  ALEXANDER  MCLEOD,  D.D. 

and  government  of  God.  Tliis,  it  is  true,  is  only  indirect 
confession  of  these  truths;  but  tliough  indirect,  it  is  real. 
The  provision  of  the  Constitution  exempting  the  President 
of  the  United  States  from  the  discharge  of  certain  official 
duties,  on  the  first  day  of  the  Aveek,  though  an  indirect,  is, 
nevertheless,  a  real  acknowledgment  of  the  sanctity  of  the 
Christian  sabbath,  and,  so  far,  is  a  recognition  of  Christ- 
ianity itself.  The  general  practice  of  the  several  depart- 
ments of  government,  in  refraining  from  business  on  that 
day,  is  in  accordance  with  this  view  of  the  subject.  The 
constitutions  of  Bible,  Tract,  Temperance,  and  other  asso- 
ciations, all  of  which  are  organized  for  moral  purposes, 
confess  the  being  and  government  of  God,  not  directly,  but 
by  implication  only  ;  yet  we  have  not  heard  them  charged 
with  disrespect  for  God,  nor  do  we  know  that  intelligent 
Christians,  for  the  reason  that  such  confession  is  only  indi- 
rect, refuse  them  their  support.  But  let  us  hear  our  distin- 
guished author  himself,  in  explanation  of  the  matter. 

"In  a  federative  government,  erected  over  several  distinct 
and  independent  States,  retaining  each  the  power  of  local 
legislation,  it  is  not  to  be  expected  that  specific  provision 
should  be  made  for  the  interests  of  religion  in  particular 
congregations.  The  general  government  is  erected  for  the 
general  good  of  the  United  States,  and  especially  for  the 
management  of  their  foreign  concerns :  but  no  association 
of  men  for  moral  purposes  can  be  justified  in  an  entire 
>  neglect  of  the  Sovereign  of  the  world.  Statesmen  in  this 
country  had  undoubtedly  in  their  eye  the  abuse  of  religion 
for  mere  political  ];)urposes,  which  in  the  nations  of  tlie  old 
world  had  corrupted  the  sanctuary,  and  Laid  the  foundation 
for  the  persecution  of  godly  men. 


TREATY   WITH    TRIPOLI.  235 

*''0u  the  score  of  religion,  it  is  better  to  neglect,  tlian  to 
jp^vstitute  the  church  of  God.  Here,  the  framers  of  our  law 
have  said  to  the  daughter  of  Ziou,  '  Depart  from  our  coun- 
cils. A  few  of  us  love  thy  cause  ;  hut  there  are  some  who 
hate  it;  and  the  greater  part  are  indifferent  about  thee. 
Go,  seek  thy  way  uninterrupted  through  the  land.  Thou 
art  free  to  pursue  the  most  desirable  course :  but  ujdou  our 
aid  thou  must  not  calculate.'  There,  political  men  beheld 
the  Christian  cause  with  an.  eye  that  seeks  to  make  gain  of 
every  object  within  its  reach.  The  statesman  said,  '  Come, 
daughter  of  Zion,  thou  must  bear  my  yoke ;  thou  must  be 
my  servant ;  thou  must  promote  my  interest ;  and  shouldst 
thou  refuse  my  mandates,  thou  shait  suffer  for  thy  fidelity 
to  Jehovah.  AYliatever  the  Bible  may  teach,  it  is  my 
business  to  establish  such  a  system  of  religion  as  best  suits 
my  own  political  plans.     This  is  my  determination.' 

'•'  Notwithstanding,  therefore,  the  irreligion  of  the  general 
constitution  of  our  government,  the  church  of  God  ^*s,  in 
this  country,  upon  a  better  footing,  as  it  respects  the 
national  power,  than  in  any  other  country  upon  earth  • 
Nay,  under  existing  circumstances,  it  is  our  mercy,  that 
God  has  so  ordered  it  in  his  providence,  that  men,  of  the 
description  of  those  who  are  elected  to  power  among  the 
nations,  have  not  been  permitted  to  interfere  with  ecclesi- 
astical polity,  and  to  exercise  sovereignty  over  the  con- 
sciences of  men,  in  their  spiritual  concerns." 

Some  of  the  language  of  the  preamble  to  the  treaty  with 
Tripoli,  in  179 T,  was,  perhaps,  neither  happy,  nor  altogether 
true.  That  treaty  has  however  been,  it  is  believed,  since 
modified.  What  was  exceptionable  was  in  the  j^reamble 
only,  and  an  inspection  of  the  treaty  itself  will  show  that 


236  MEMOIR   OF   ALEXAJSTDEK   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

it  embraced  no  improper  or  immoral  stipulation.  The 
doubtful  declaration,  tbat  the  government  of  the  United 
States  lias  in  itself  no  character  of  enmity  against  tlie  laws 
or  religion  of  Mussulmen,  must  be  confined  to  tlie  subject 
of  tbe  treaty — mere  commercial  relationships.  And  to  say 
that  the  United  States  government  is  not  founded  on  Christ- 
ianity, is  so  near  the  sentiment  and  language  of  the  whole 
Eeformed  Church,  which  declares  "  that  civil  government  is 
not  founded  in  grace,"  that  we  must  ascribe  some  part  of 
the  remarks  made  upon  it  to  a  momentary  inadvertence. 

The  second  charge  adduced  against  the  American  govern- 
ment is,  "  The  violation  of  human  liberty."  In  sustaining 
this  charge,  reference  is  had  to  slavery.  That  this  deplor- 
able evil  was  forced  by  Great  Britain  upon  this  country,  in 
its  colonial  state,  is  matter  of  deep  sorrow  ;  and  that  any  of 
the  States,  at  the  time  of  forming  the  Constitution,  were 
indisposed  to  authorize  the  government  of  the  Confederacy 
to  extinguish  the  evil,  is  greatly  to  be  lamented ;  and  still 
further,  that  so  many  in  the  slaveholding  States  are  disin- 
clined to  adopt  efficient  and  wise  measures,  for  the  abolition 
of  this  calamity,  is  cause  of  sincere  regret. 

Upon  the  relation  of  this  grievous  evil  to  the  Constitution 
and  government  of  the  United  States,  the  following  remarks 
may  be  offered. 

1.  Slavery  was  seen  to  exist  in  the  country,  and  under  its 
institutions,  man  was  held  as  the  property  of  his  fellow 
man.  "What  department  of  those  institutions, — whether 
that  of  the  Federal  or  the  State  authorities  only — was 
chargeable  with  authorizing  this  evil,  was  not  alwaj^s 
inquired  into.  And  yet  the  ascertaining  of  what  is  matter 
of  fact  on  this  point,  is  necessar}'-  to  a  just  and  impartial 
judgment  upon  the  subject. 


SLAVERY.  237 

2.  In  the  practice  of  slavery,  crime  was  seen  to  exist; 
and  in  reference  to  tlie  District  of  Columbia,  and  the  regu- 
lation of  commerce  between  the  States,  Congress,  without 
any  constitutional  obligation  to  be  so,  is  at  least  criminally 
negligent.  To  him  who  is  a  stranger  to  our  institutions, 
there  is  nothing  more  easy,  and  it  may  be  said,  nothing 
more  natural,  than  to  refer  civil  evils,  or  political  wrongs, 
to  the  general  constitution  of  the  Union  ;  and  yet  nothing 
may  be,  at  the  same  time,  more  unjust.  The  circumstances, 
too,  must  be  very  peculiar,  the  call  very  pressing,  and  the 
facilities  favorable,  that  will  lead  any  man,  stranger  or 
citizen,  to  examine  every,  or  any,  constitutional  question 
with  that  precision  that  will  lead  to  an  unerring  judgment 
upon  it,  in  its  various  bearings. 

3.  If  under  the  circumstances  in  which  he  was  placed,  a 
language  was  employed  by  our  departed  friend,  as  it  was  by 
many  others,  too  strong,  as  regarded  the  relation  of  slavery 
to  the  Federal  Constitution,  it  is  not  to  be  deemed  strange. 
Had  he  then,  in  this  case,  as  we  know  he  did  at  a  subse- 
quent period,  carried  out  in  detail,  his  own  view  of  the 
federative  and  limited  character  of  the  Constitution  of  the 
Union,  his  expressions,  without  any  change  of  principle, 
would  have  been  modified.  The  abolition  of  the  slave  trade 
by  the  Congress  of  the  United  States,  and  of  slavery  itself 
by  several  of  the  particular  States,  together  with  the 
extended  and  enlightened  discussions  upon  that  complex 
and  very  delicate  subject — the  limits  between  Federal  and 
State  jurisdiction,  all  contributed,  at  a  subsequent  period, 
to  guide  the  attentive  observer  to  a  more  just  decision  than 
had  previously  obtained  upon  this  subject.  Our  statesmen 
more  generally  think  accurately  upon  it  than  was  done 
twenty  years  ago.     A  modification  of  view  as  to  where, 


238  MEMOm   OF   ALEXANDER   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

npon  whom,  or  upon  what,  the  crime  of  slavery  is  charge- 
able, is  very  different  from  a  change  of  principle  in 
reference  to  the  evil  itself,  in  its  moral  and  political  bear- 
ings. In  the  mind  of  the  author,  there  never  was  any 
abatement  of  the  abhorrence  of  the  principle  and  practice 
of  slavery.  The  persuasion  in  the  mind  of  any  man,  that 
the  Federal  Constitution  never  made  a  slave — expresses  no 
approbation  of  slavery, — is  not  inconsistent  with  a  detesta- 
tion of  slavery  itself,  and  of  the  code  that  really  authorizes 
this  crying  sin. 

The  view  taken  of  the  British  government  is  full  of  inter- 
est. Against  it  five  charges  are  tabled  and  well  sustained. 
The  following  is  an  outline  of  this  portion  of  the  discourse. 

1.  The  British  govermnent,  as  it  now  exists,  is  a  despotic 
usurpation. 

2.  A  superstitious  corribination  of  ci/vil  and  ecclesiastical 
poioer. 

3.  A  hranch  of  the  grand  Antichristian  apostasy. 

4.  Erastian  in  its  constitution  and  administration. 

5.  Cruel  in  its  policy. 

These  charges  are  amply  sustained,  by  the  facts  adduced, 
in  the  course  of  the  discussion.  How  ill  founded  the 
plaudits  of  the  court  of  St.  James  as  the  defender  of  our 
religion,  and  the  protector  of  the  liberties  of  mankind,  is 
made  to  appear.  And  withal,  in  the  usual  spirit  of  the 
author's  discrimination  of  mind  and  kindness  of  heart,  will 
be  found  the  cordial  recognition  of  excellence  of  character, 
and  of  many  of  the  institutions  found  in  the  British  empire. 
The  moral  worth  of  the  subject  is  not  confounded  with  the 
profligacy  of  the  monarchy,  nor  are  the  virtuous  institutions 
and  acts  of  the  people,  identified  with  the  immoralities  of 
the  constitution  and  its  corrupt  administrations. 


THOMAS  EKASTUS.  239 

111  this  discourse,  tlie  reader  finds  the  results  of  much 
research  with  various  and  interesting  historical  notices.  The 
origin  of  the  term,  Emstian,  and  its  import  in  ecclesiastical 
history,  the  following  extract  will  explain. 

^^  Thomas  Emstus  was  both  a  divine  and  a  physician. 
He  was  learned  and  active,  and  influential  among  the  distin- 
guished men  of  that  very  remarkable  age  in  which  he  lived 
— an  age  which  roused,  by  an  extraordinary  impulse,  the 
human  mind  from  the  lethargy  under  which  it  had  long 
labored — the  era  of  the  Reformation.  Born  in  Baden  of 
Switzerland,  in  the  year  1G2J:,  and  educated  in  Bazil  and 
Bologna,  he  practised  physic  at  the  court  of  the  elector 
palatine,  and  became  professor  in  the  University  of  Heidel- 
berg. In  his  book  on  Excommunication^  he  develops  those 
principles  which  have  since  been  called  by  his  name.  That 
Christ  and  his  apostles  prescribed  no  forms  of  discipline  for 
the  church — that  the  supreme  ecclesiastical  power  belongs 
to  the  civil  magistrate — that  ministers  are  only  teachers 
possessed  of  the  right  of  public  persuasion — that  to  the 
government  of  the  State  belongs  the  right  of  admitting 
members  into  the  church,  and  excluding  them  from  it — that 
the  church  of  Christ  is  a  department  of  the  civil  common- 
wealth, are  the  sentiments  of  Erastus.  These  have  always 
been  the  prevailing  sentiments  of  the  court  of  Great 
Britain,  since  the  time  of  Henry  YIII.  The  clergy  of  the 
church  of  England,  from  Cranmer  to  WJiltgift^  were  of 
Erastian  principles.  Bancroft  was  the  first  to  maintain  the 
divine  right  of  the  episcopacy  ;  and  even  since  his  day,  the 
great  body  of  the  English  hierarchy  view  the  church  '  as  a 
mere  creature  of  the  State.''  Indeed,  the  Puritans  them- 
selves, both  the  ministers  and  the  membei-s  of  Parliament, 


240        MEMOIR  OF  ALEXAKDER  MCLEOD,  D.D. 

were  willing  at  first  to  subscribe,  with  but  little  variation, 
to  Erastian  sentiments,  although  disposed  to  a  greater  degi*ee 
of  liberty,  in  religion  and  civil  concerns,  than  was  consistent 
with  the  pleasure  of  the  court  and  the  bishops.  It  was  not, 
until  the  Scottish  commissioners  explained,  in  the  Assembly 
of  Divines,  the  true  polity  of  the  church  of  God,  as  a 
spiritual  empire^  having  its  own  officers  and  laws,  under  the 
HEAD  Jesus  Ciieist,  that  the  English  ministers  fully  under- 
stood the  distinction.  To  the  faithful  labors  of  the  church 
of  Scotland,  the  Christian  world  is  indebted,  under  the 
blessing  of  God,  for  the  prevalence  of  a  principle,  now 
universally  understood,  and,  in  this  country,  reduced  to 
practice  by  all  the  ecclesiastical  bodies — that  the  church  is  a 
distinct  society,  with  an  organization  of  its  oion.  This 
important  doctrine  is  of  divine  authority.  Its  truth  hath 
been  attested  by  the  blood  of  the  martyrs :  and  the 
kingdoms,  which  oppose  this  part  of  the  faith  delivered  to 
the  saints,  are  guilty  of  rebellion  against  the  King  of  ld7igs, 
and  Lord  of  lords P 

Tlie  conclusion  of  this  sermon  evinces  where  the  confi- 
dence of  the  preacher  found  its  place  of  rest,  for  himself,  his 
country,  and  Christians  at  large.     He  thus  speaks : 

"  To  the  causes  and  proximate  consequences  of  the  present 
war,  I  intend,  hereafter,  to  turn  your  attention.  Indepen- 
dently of  these,  our  acquaintance  with  the  national  character 
of  the  parties  furnishes  an  argument  in  support  of  our 
hopes. 

"There  is  an  eye  above  the  earth,  that  knows  the  nations, 
that  marks  their  conduct,  that  obsei-ves  the  strife.  Tliere  is 
a  Man,  elevated  above  the  world,  with  whom  is  no  respect 


DEFENSIVE   WAR.  241 

of  persons,  who  is  touched  with  the  feeliogs  of  our  infirmi- 
ties, and  will  award  to  men  and  to  empires  their  due. 
Christians,  it  is  your  Redeemer.  Behold  him  on  high,  at 
the  right  hand  of  God,  exalted  above  all  principalities  and 
powers.  He  is  Prince  of  the  kings  of  the  earth.  He  rules 
in  the  battle.  He  directs  the  storm.  He  is  mindful  of 
individuals.  He  will  save  them  that  trust  in  him.  He  will 
bless  and  protect  his  church,  while  the  nations  are  at  war. 
He  invites  you  to  come  under  the  shadow  of  his  wings. 
There  you  shall  have  rest.  His  voice  of  peace  is  heard, 
while  his  hand  controls  the  battle.  Yes,  brethren,  while  his 
Almighty  finger  writes  upon  the  palace-wall  this  sentence 
against  the  nations,  Mene,  Mene,  Tekel,  TJpnAESiN,  to  you 
he  says.  Come,  ray  ])eo^le,  enter  thou  into  thy  chmnhers,  and 
shut  thy  doors  aiout  thee :  hide  thyself  as  it  were  for  a  little 
inomenty  until  the  indignation  he  overcast.    Amen." — p.  100. 

Seemon  hi. — ^Tlie  subject  of  the  third  discoui-se  is  "The 
Lawfulness  of  Defensive  War,"  The  text  is,  Prov.  xx.  18. 
With  good  advice  make  loar.    The  plan  of  discussion  is : 

I.  War  is,  in  certain  cases,  lawful. 

il.  Explanation  of  defensive  war. 

III.  When  a  nation  is  engaged  in  lawful  war,  it  is  the 
duty  of  all  to  afibrd  it  their  support. 

This  is  really  a  very  able  discussion,  and  certainly  not  less 
interesting  than  the  foregoing.  Tlie  definitions  given  are 
worthy  of  special  notice.  The  confirmation  of  his  positions 
from  reason,  the  most  distinguished  writers  on  public  law, 
and  especially  from  the  Bi])le,  has  peculiar  claims  upon  the 
reader's  attention.  Tlie  entire  discussion  at  once  evinces 
the  soundness  of  his  doctrine,  the  comprehensiveness  of  his 
views,  and  the  commanding  powers  of  his  mind.  / 


242  ]^IEMOrR   OF   ALEXAXDEE   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

In  making  extracts  we  know  that  we  slionld  not  trespass. 
The  following,  however,  appears  to  embrace  so  much  that  is 
calculated  to  correct  the  errors  of  weak  or  Avicked  minds,  on 
the  subject  of  capital  punishment,  for  sufficient  cause  ;  and 
on  that  of  defensive  war,  as  explained  by  our  author,  that 
we  think  a  service  will  be  rendered  to  the  public  by  bring- 
ing it  in  this  place,  into  view. 

"  To  live  in  a  state  of  society  is  both  the  duty  and  the 
privilege  of  man.  It  is  the  Creator  of  the  world,  who  said, 
Is  it  not  good  that  man  should  he  alone.  A  great  part  of  the 
active  principles  of  human  nature  would  remain  unimproved 
and  unemployed,  and  much  of  his  haj)piness  would  neces- 
sarily be  cut  off,  were  man  doomed  to  a  perpetual  seclusion 
from  society,  and  constrained  to  spend  his  life  in  solitude. 
It  is  not,  however,  to  be  expected,  that  a  state  of  society 
can  exist  on  earth,  during  the  continuance  of  our  imperfec- 
tion, in  which  no  error  in  morals  will  obtain.  Ilumanum 
est  errafe.  Diversities  of  views,  and  of  inclinations,  and  of 
interests,  cannot  fail  to  produce  discord ;  and  the  corrupt 
propensities  of  individuals  require,  for  the  preservation  of 
social  order,  that  the  power  of  suppressing  evils  should  be 
placed  in  the  hands  of  competent  authority.  An  advisory 
authority.^  unless  endowed  with  the  right  of  employingyorce, 
would  be  found  a  nullity.  Thus,  as  society  is  necessary  to 
man,  and  government  is  necessar}^  to  society,  the  application 
of  force  is  essential  to  both :  and  the  a]3plication  of  force  to 
the  correction  of  erroneous  conduct,  necessarily  implies,  that 
civil  society  has  the  power  of  property,  liberty,  life,  and 
death,  over  every  member.  Such  is  the  constitution  of 
of  societ3^  Sucn  is  tue  will  of  God,  expressed  in  the  con- 
stitution of  human  nature.     Let  theory  say  what  it  will,  it  is 


CAPITAL   PUNISHMENT.  2-i3 

a  fact^  that  civil  socict}-  has  tlie  right  of  taking  away  by 
force  the  life  of  any  of  its  members. 

"  In  vain  am  I  tokl,  by  visionary  theorists,  that  man  has 
not  the  right  of  taking  away  his  own  life.     I  know  it.     Tlie 
Lord  giveth  hfe.     He  only  has  the  right  of  taking  it  away, 
or  of  ordering  another  to  take  it  away.     In  vain  am  I  told, 
that  society  has   only  the   rights  which   individuals  have 
surrendered  to  it :  and  that  of  conrsc  it  has  not  the  right  of 
taking  away  my  life,  seeing  I  could  not  surrender  what  was 
not  at  my  oj^tion.     I  did  not  make  myself  a  social  being. 
God  made  me  so.      Sociehj  is  his  creature.     From  him  it 
derives  the  right  of  self-preservation.      Civilians  and  divines 
behove  to  attend  to  this  foct.      It  is  atheism,  however  it 
may  be  disguised,  that  suj^ports  the  contrary  principle.     He 
is  a  short-sighted  statesman,  who,  enamored  of  the  theories 
of  Beccaria  and  Voltaire,  argues  against  the  right  of  cajntal 
punishments,  in  any  case.     It  is  not  humanity  hwi  folly  that 
dictates  this  doctrine.     He  is  a  short-sighted  divine,  who  is 
seduced  by  the  reasonings  of  George  Fox  and  William  Penn. 
It  is  not  religion ;  but  fanaticism,  that  is  promoted  by  such 
arguments. 

"  I  know,  that  small  societies,  in  the  bosom  of  regularly 
organized  nations— I  know,  tliat  ecclesiastical  bodies  may 
exist,  without  the  application,  upon  their  own  part,  of 
violence  to  any  member ;  but  the  power  of  force  must  exist 
somcAvhere,  otherwise,  one  unruly  member  might  destroy 
any  such  society. 

"Laws  are  necessary  to  guard  the  rights  of  property ;  but 
if  society  have  no  riglit  to  transfer  so  much  of  the  debtor's 
property,  against  his  will,  into  the  hands  of  the  creditor,  as 
may  satisfy  equity,  laws  are  a  non-entity:  again,  if  the 
debtor  resists  the  officers  of  the  law,  and  society  has  no  right 


244  MEMOm   OF   AJLEXAJSTDEK   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

to  apply  force  in  any  case,  tlie  debtor  escapes  witli  impunity, 
and  langlis  at  tlie  law.  Legislation  is  still  a  nnllity.  If 
force  may  be  applied  in  any  measure,  sliort  of  inflicting 
wounds  and  death ;  if  the  debtor  knows  beforehand,  that  no 
power  dare  touch  his  life,  he  may  arm  himself;  he  may 
escape  the  law  with  all  its  other  force ;  and  he  may  lay 
under  contribution,  to  his  cupidity,  every  member  of  the 
community.  There  must  in  such  case  be  an  end  to  society. 
This  is  obvious  to  every  man.  Each  State  is  of  course 
compelled  to  arm,  with  the  sword,  the  civil  magistrate. 
Each  individual  will  say,  though  I  have  no  right  to  destroy 
my  life  I  have  power  to  amputate  a  member  for  the  preser- 
vation of  the  body ;  and  each  State  will  say,  I  have  power 
to  cut  off  any  member  for  the  safety  of  the  whole. 

"  This  argument  puts  beyond  a  doubt  the  lawfulness  of 
war.  Civil  punislwient  is  the  exercise  of  force  ii-pon  an 
enemy,  to  the  community  of  which  he  is  a  memher.  The 
lowest  degree  of  punishment,  involves  the  right  of  taking 
the  life  of  the  criminal,  if  resistance  on  his  part  render  the 
application  of  such  force  necessary.  Most  assuredly,  then,  if 
the  aggressor  be  of  a  different  community,  and  be  authorized 
by  such  community  to  act  as  an  enemy,  the  sovereign  power 
of  the  injured  commonwealth  may  lawfully  resist,  even  unto 
blood ;  and  may  apjDly  the  degree  and  kind  of  force  neces- 
sary to  correct  the  evil.  If  the  right  of  waging  war  be 
withheld  from  the  body  politic,  there  is  an  end  to  the  inde- 
pendence of  nations,  and  all  society  is  dissolved. 

"Reasoning  upon  these  principles,  I  am  constrained  to 
pronounce  the  contrary  opinions,  by  whatever  names,  and 
from  whatever  motives,  they  are  urged,  both  unreasonable 
and  dangerous.  It  is  the  will  of  God,  expressed  in  the  con- 
stitution of  society,  that  nations  have  a  right  to  wage  war : 


UNION   FOR   DEFENCE.  245 

and  if  it  sliould  ever  be  made  manifest  that  tlie  Deity,  by 
positive  injunction,  prohibited  the  exercise  of  this  riglit,  I 
would  indeed  submit  to  his  decision,  and  submit  implicitly ; 
but  I  would  also  infer,  that,  in  making  such  prohibition,  he, 
who  knows  the  consequences  of  his  own  laws,  had  also 
ordered  the  dissolution  of  society  itself.  So  for  is  the  reve- 
lation of  his  grace  from  giving  countenance  to  such  absurdi- 
ties, that  I  am  enabled  thereby  to  support  the  principle 
urged  in  my  text.  With  good  advice  make  war.''^ — p.  lOG-110. 

The  discom'se  concludes  with  an  important  and  manly 
exhortation.  Eeferring  to  the  men  in  power  in  the  United 
States,  the  author  says : 

"  Examine,  yes,  examine,  with  rigorous  impartiality,  their 
character  and  their  acts :  speak  out ;  blame  them  when  they 
do  wrong:  But  forget  not  your  country.  Unite  in  her 
defence — ^in  defence  of  her  injured  rights.  Support  those 
who  wield  the  sword,  and  who  direct  its  application — sup- 
port them  with  the  means  necessary  to  convince  the  enemy 
that,  whatever  may  be  the  domestic  strife  for  influence,  for 
place,  and  for  power,  in  regard  to  those  who  have  taken 
your  friends,  and  your  fellow-citizens  into  captivity,  who 
have  interrupted  and  despoiled  your  trade  upon  the 
ocean,  who  have  violated  your  neutrality,  and  who  lay  claim 
to  your  soil, — in  regard  to  them,  convince  the  enemy,  con- 
vince your  own  rulers,  and  the  whole  world,  that  you  have 
but  ONE  MIND.  Defensive  war  is  lawful — a  brave  people 
have  the  prospect  of  success — and  a  moral  people  will  prose- 
cute the  contest  to  a  successful  termination — Amen." — p.  147. 

Sermon  IV. — This  discourse    is   a  continuation  of   the 


246  J^tEMOm   OF   ALEXAITDEK   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

prececliug,  and  is  really  an  application  of  the  sul)ject 
explained  in  tliat  discussion.  The  text  is  the  same,  Prov. 
XX.  18. —  With  good  advice  make  war. 

Passing  over  the  first  part  of  this  sermon,  which  had  an 
important  object  at  the  time  of  its  delivery,  we  come  to 
the  two  great  points  illustrated  and  defended  in  this. 
Those  are : 

1.  To  show  that  The  United  States  have  lawful  cause  of 
war  with  Great  Britain. 

2.  To  explain  the  frincl^ples  ii^on  which  the  %oar  sliould 
he  prosecuted. 

The  doctrine  of  perpetual  allegiance  and  the  right  of 
expatriation,  under  the  first  head  of  discussion,  are  brought 
under  review.  Having  exposed  the  absurdity  of  the  British 
claim  to  the  perpetual  allegiance  of  those  born  under  their 
dominion,  the  author  takes  up  for  consideration : 

The  Right  of  Expatriation. — ^This  subject  is  examined 
with  a  discriminating  precision,  and  the  right  vindicated 
with  a  force  and  variety  of  reasoning,  perhaps,  nowhere  else 
to  be  found.     The  following  are  the  topics  of  argument : 

"  All  men  are  born  equally  free — There  is  no  obligation 
by  contract  to  prevent  entirely  a  change  of  country — Alle- 
giance and  protection  are  reciprocal — All  nations  recognize 
the  principle  of  expatriation — The  contrary  doctrine  leads 
to  absurdity — And  the  word  of  the  living  God  secures  this 
right  to  man." — p.  167. 

The  argument  from  Scripture  is  very  happy  in  the  selec- 
tion of  examples,  and  in  setting  aside  the  moral  claims  of 
the  Prince  Regent,  as  set  forth  in  his  proclamations,  to 
which  reference  has  already  been  made. 

,    "The  Scriptures  inform  us,  that  God  gave  the  earth  to 


ElOnr   OF   EXPATEIATION.  247 

tlie  cliildren  of  men.  It  was  liis  will  and  command, 
that  it  should  be  peopled  from  one  pair.  God  said  unto 
them,  le  fruiffid,  and  multi})!}/,  and  replenish  the  earth. 
But  this  order  could  not  be  executed,  unless  the  children 
should  emigrate  from  the  place  of  their  nativity,  settle  in 
other  countries,  and  form  new  societies.  There  is,  more- 
over, no  provision  made  in  the  Scriptures,  for  keeping  the 
colonies  in  perpetual  subjection  to  the  parent  state.  This 
would  make  the  whole  world  subject  to  one  unwieldy  des- 
potism. Upon  the  contrary,  we  are  assured,  that  when 
religion  prevails  over  all  the  earth,  there  shall  still  be 
distinct  nations,  which  Satan  shall  deceive  no  more  y  there 
shall  still  be  distinct  kingdoms — even  the  kingdoms  of  this 
world,  that  shall  lecome  the  hingdoms  of  our  Lord  and  his 
Christ.  In  conformity  to  this  principle,  the  Governor  of 
the  universe,  at  an  early  age,  when  men  formed  the  plan  of 
adhering  together  in  one  great  and  corrupt  society,  per- 
formed a  miracle  to  prevent  the  evil;  aud,  so  the  Lord 
scattered  them  dbrocod  from  thence,  upon  the  face  of  all 
the  earth.  Instead  of  permitting  the  sovereign  of  every 
country  to  deceive  the  subject  with  claims  of  perpetual 
allegiance,  God  commanded  Abram  to  expatriate  himself. 
The  father  of  the  faithful  obeyed,  and  loft  his  native 
country.  In  vain  would  the  kings  of  the  Canaanitcs  claim, 
as  bound  to  serve  them,  the  descendants  of  Abram,  born 
in  their  territories.  Jacoh  removed  with  his  flimilv  to 
EgJTtj ;  ''iJid  even  there,  notwithstanding  the  power  of  the 
monarchy,  they  claimed  the  right  of  being  considered  as  a 
distinct  people,  and  of  emigrating  at  their  pleasure  from 
the  land  of  bondage.  Tlie  proclamations  of  the  Prince 
of  Britain  would  have  passed  for  moralitj'-  at  the  court 
of  Pharaoh;    but  Moses  without  fearing  the  virath     oj 


24:8  MEMOIR   OF   ALEXAITOEK   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

the  king,  said  unto  him,  Let  my  peojple  go.  The  tyrant 
ultimately  suffered  the  punishment  of  his  crimes,  when  he 
attempted  to  reclaim,  as  native  subjects,  the  Israelitish  emi- 
grants. Pharaoh,  and  his  host,  his  chosen  captains  also, 
were  drowned  in  the  Red  Sea. 

'•  Moses  did  not  offend  the  laws  of  morality,  although 
in  despite  of  native  allegiance,  he  invited  Hobah  to  expa- 
triate himself  from  Midian,  and  accept  of  naturalization 
in  the  commonwealth  of  Israel.  Come  thou  with  us,  and 
we  will  do  thee  good — Zea/ve  us  not  I  pray  thee — 
and  it  shall  &<?,  ■  if  thou  go  with  us,  that  what  goodness 
the  Lord  shall  do  unto  us,  the  same  ivill  we  do  unto 
thee." 

Those  tender  and  often  unaccountable  emotions  that 
enter  into  the  constitution  of  the  love  of  the  place  of 
one's  nativity,  were  not  strangers  in  the  breast  of  the 
affectionate  author  of  these  discourses.  As  he  advanced 
in  years,  the  force  of  those  generous  sentiments  did  not 
abate;  but  they  interfered  not  with  his  affection,  a  grow- 
ing one,  for  the  country  of  his  adoption,  and  its  free  and 
noble  institutions.  In  the  vehemence  of  party  politics,  we 
sometimes  hear  insinuations  and  surmises  thrown  out,  not 
in  perfect  keeping  with  the  generous  spirit  of  our  institu- 
tions, in  reference  to  our  adopted  citizens.  The  United 
States  have  nothing  to  fear  from  the  patrial  attachments 
of  their  enlightened  and  virtuous  sons  of  adoption.  In  what 
virtuous  and  cultivated  heart  did  the  tenderness  of  filial 
affection  ever  interfere  with  either  the  intensity  or  fidelity 
of  connubial  love?  But,  on  the  subject  under  consider- 
ation, expressions  of  ungenerous  surmise  are  only  the 
momentary  ebullitions  of  party  heat,  and,  of  course,  being 


NATIVE   COUNTRY.  249 

transient  in  their  nature,  are  inoperative  in  tlieir  effects. 
The  following  extract  we  think  very  fine.  It  illustrates 
the  harmony  of  affection  and  of  principle  in  the  character 
of  our  friend. 

"  Tliere  are,  I  feel  and  acknowledge,  many  tender  ties  to 
bind  us  to  our  native  country.  We  cherish,  in  fond  recol- 
lection, the  scenes  and  the  partners  of  our  youthful  days. 
We  revere  the  land  of  our  fathers,  and  the  place  of  their 
sepulchres.  We  look  l)ack  on  the  friends  that  we  have  left 
behind :  we  desire  their  welfare :  we  cultivate  their  corres- 
pondence ;  and  we  are  not  ashamed  to  call  them  brethren. 
If  we  have  left  the  national  society,  and  have  thrown  off 
allegiance  to  their  rulers,  we  count  it  no  dishonor  to  have 
been  born  in  a  territory,  where  arts  and  science,  and  litera- 
ture, and  heroism,  and  patriotism,  abound.  Even  now,  I 
can  gladly  transport  myself  on  fancy's  wings  to  my  native 
hills.  I  would  still  listen  to  the  music  of  the  lark,  to  the 
bleating  of  the  flocks,  and  to  the  reaper's  song ;  and  I  would 
'  close  tlie  day,  in  the  bosom  of  a  peaceful  family,  with  a 
solemn  hymn  of  thanksgiving  to  the  Lord.  I  would  still 
gaze  on  the  lofty  rock,  where  the  eagle  builds  her  nest ; 
admire  at  a  distance  the  cloud-capt  cliffs  oi  Benmore,  and 
coimt  the  foaming  billows  of  the  Atlantic,  rolling  among  the 
basaltic  pillars  of  Staffa,  along  the  classic  shores  of  lona, 
to  the  bold  promontories  at  the  mouth  oi Lochlevan.  I  bless 
my  native  country,  and  take  pride  in  all  the  excellency  of 
her  sons.  Others,  too,  feel  towards  their  native  place  as  I 
do.  But  yet,  my  brethren,  on  a  question  of  morality,  truth 
must  decide.  Conscience,  and  not  foncy,  must  make  the 
application  of  God's  law." — pp.  180,  181. 

How  must  he,  in  his  visit  to  his  native  isle  in  1830,  have 

IT 


250  MEMOIE    OF   ALEXANDER   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

enjoyed  the  grandeur  of  tlie  scenery  wliicli,  in  1814,  he 
with  so  much  animation  described.  "When  in  his  native 
land,  among  those  isles,  and  cliffs,  and  rolling  -waves,  he 
looked  back  with  no  less — with  stronger — affection  to  the 
United  States,  his  adopted  land;  and  his  corresj)ondents 
here  well  know  with  what  emotion  he  referred  to  "  his  own, 
his  beautiful  l^ew  York !" 

II.  The  explanation  of  the  second  part. — The  ^;rz'?2c?j;Z<?5 
K^on  which  the  war  should  de  jyrosecuted.  Under  this  he 
submits  for  discussion  three  positions,  embracing  principles 
not  of  partial,  but  of  universal  application. 

1.  In  a  state  of  war  we  must  consider  each  community  as 
one  body. 

2.  The  nation  only  is  the  proper  object  of  war. 

3.  The  changes  which  humanity  has  already  introduced 
into  the  modes  of  warfare,  should  not  be  diminished,  but 
extended. 

"We  forbear  to  make  any  remarks  of  our  own  upon  the 
very  happy  mode  of  illustration  chosen  by  the  author,  for 
the  establishment  of  these  positions,  upon  grounds  of  indi- 
vidual, moral  and  social  right.  The  following  extracts  are 
instructive. 

"I  shield,  from  the  charge  of  insincerity,  those  consci- 
entious men  who  may  disapprove  of  the  present  Administra- 
tion and  the  conduct  of  the  war,  while  I  make  no  apology 
for  him,  who,  devoid  of  patriotism  and  virtue,  calls  in  ques- 
tion the  legitimacy  of  the  contest  as  it  now  exists,  and 
recommends  submission  to  the  enemy— I  make  no  apology 
for  him,  who  strives  to  prevent  the  success  of  his  country  in 
the  present  strife.     I  leave  him  to  the  comforts  of  his  own 


VALUE   OF   THE    UNION.  251 

reflections,  knowing,  as  I  do,  that  whatever  may  be  his 
motives,  they  cannot  command  the  approbation  of  his 
coimtry,  of  his  contemporaries  in  other  lands,  of  posterity, 
of  his  conscience,  or  of  his  God.  With  him,  therefore,  I 
do  not  stoop  to  argue  the  question.  To  others  I  say,  let 
us  examine,  upon  moral  principles,  the  mode  of  prosecut- 
ing the  present  war. 

"  I  am  not  the  eulogist  of  men  in  power ;  neither  do  I 
give  flattering  titles  to  man:  I  love  the  country  of  my 
choice,  and  I  pray  to  God  for  the  prosperity  and  suc- 
cess of  its  arms.  I  lament  whatever  of  indecision,  and 
imbecility,  and  improvidence,  and  mismanagement,  has 
appeared  in  the  halls  of  legislation,  in  the  executive  coun- 
cils, in  the  leaders  of  our  armies.  I  could  fervently  wish, 
and  devoutly  pray,  for  more  firmness,  and  wisdom,  and 
action,  and  for  more  extensive  resources  in  men  and  in 
money  for  the  safety  of  the  nation.  But  I  would  not 
dispute,  and  embarrass,  and  threaten,  for  the  purpose  of 
producing  an  effect,  for  which  I  should  afterwards  blame 
those  who  were  irresolute  enough  to  listen  to  my  oj3]3osition. 
I  would  not  strive  to  bring  about  an  evil  for  the  sake  of 
condemning  it,  and  injuring  the  country.  I  would  not 
tempt  to  sin,  for  the  sake  of  triumphing  over  the  fallen.'''* 
—pp.  18^185. 

The  following  extract  is  recommended  as  peculiarly 
appropriate  at  this  day,  and  as  indicating  the  value  he 
set  upon  the  continued  Union  of  the  States : — 

"If  negotiation  should  fail  to  secure  a  speedy  peace, 
the  dangers  of  the  country  call  for  unanimity  in  the  strife 
of  blood  and  battle.      In  that    case,   supporting  the  war 


262         MEMOIR  OF  ALEXANDER  MCLEOD,  D.D. 

will  be  tlie  means  of  preserving  the  union  of  the  States :  and 
this  is  iinquestionably  desirable.     "Whatever  mistaken  indi- 
viduals may  say  of  the  collision  of  interests,  and  the  rivalry 
existing  between  the    ISTorth  and  South,  the  East  and  the 
West ;  every  State,  every  part  of  this  extensive  empire,  has  a 
deep  interest  in  perpetuating  the  federal  connection.     It  is 
the  means  of  preventing  those  collisions  and  jealousies  from 
coming  to    an   open  rupture — it  is  the  means  of  internal 
peace  and  friendship — it  is  the  means  of  promoting  their 
commerce,  their  manufactures,  and  their  agriculture — it  is 
the  means  of  cultivating,  by  suitable  encouragement,  the 
sciences  and  the  liberal  arts — it  is  the  means  of  preserving 
unimpaired  the  liberties  of  the   people,  and  guaranteeing 
the  forms   of  their  democratic  policy^ — it  is  the  means  of 
defence   against  foreign   enemies,   waiting  to   divide,   and 
anxious  to   destroy — it  is  the  means  of  securing  religious 
liberty,  together  with  the  purity,  the  peace,  and  the  growth 
of    our    churches.      The  several  religious    denominations, 
already  weakened  by  dissension,  would  become  still  more 
weak,  if  the  parts  of  each   ecclesiastical  body  situated  in 
the  different  States,  were  cut  assunder  by  political  distinc- 
tions, which  must  turn  brother  against  brother.     Such  a  state 
of   things    would    prevent  all  liberal    intercourse   among 
Christians  scattered  over  this  land  from  north   to   south; 
and    if   by    renewing    in    America    the    local    favoritism 
and    political    priestcraft    of   the    old    Avorld,    some    par- 
ticular clergymen  might  rise  to  a  higher  eminence,   true 
religion  would  suifer  by  the  change ;  and  the  more  inge- 
nuous and  humble   men,  would  become   more   limited   in 
their  influence  and  usefulness. 

"I  would  urge  the  support  of  the  war,  because  I  ear- 
nestly long  for  a  permanent  peace.     You  know  the  enemy. 


PEAYER  FOR  SUCCESS.  253 

His  claims  will  rise,  by  his  successes;  and  fall,  in  pro- 
portion to  liis  defeats.  The  more  lie  suffers,  the  more 
will  he  be  disposed  to  relinquish  the  .contest.  The  greater 
his  danger,  the  sooner  will  he  come  to  an  accommoda- 
tion. By  consistency  and  unanimity,  America  might  have 
finished  this  war  as  soon  as  it  had  commenced.  It  is  only 
by  affecting  the  fears  of  the  foe,  that  he  can  be  made  to 
listen  to  the  voice  of  equity. 

"I  would  recommend  the  support  of  this  war,  because  it 
is  just.  The  United  States  ask  for  nothing,  but  what 
they  ought  to  have  ;  what  it  is  lawful  for  the  enemy  to  give ; 
what  is  in  its  very  nature  moral — the  protection  of  property, 
and  personal  liberty.  I  pray  for  success  to  these  righteous 
claims  :  I  pray  for  courage  to  the  warrior,  and  for  success 
to  the  armaments  by  which  the  plea  is  urged,  because 
the  cause  is  just — ^because  it  is  necessary  to  the  repose  of 
the  world — because  God  has  promised  that  this  cause  shall 
nniversally  prevail." — pp.  194-196. 

Sermon  Y. — ^The  text  is,  Jer.  li.  10 — Come  and  let  iis 
declare  in  Zion  the  worh  of  the  Lord  our  God. 

Our  departed  friend,  the  author  of  these  sermons,  was 
habitually  inclined  to  look  with  a  favorable  eye  upon  his 
fellow  man.  For  the  aberrations  which  often  aj)pear  in 
individual  character,  he  would  seek  an  apology  in  miti- 
gation, and  in  a  case  of  doubtful  acting,  he  would  endeavor 
to  find  and  fix  upon  the  motive  least  exceptionable,  that 
might  be  supposed  to  influence  to  that  coui-se  of  conduct. 
Of  this  feature  of  mind  we  have  an  indication  in  the 
following  remark,  found  in  the  introduction  to  this  sermon. 
Adverting  to  the   diversity  of  sentiment  which  may  be 


254:         MEMOIR  OF  ALEXANDER  MCLEOD,  D.D. 

expected  to  exist  where  freedom  of  speech  is  authorized, 
he  observes : — ■ 

"  The  comjDlexness  of  public  affairs — ^the  imperfection  of 
knowledge — the  peevishness  and  the  passions  of  the  heart, 
give  us  reason  to  believe,  had  we  not  the  lights  of  history 
to  assure  us  of  the  fact,  that  without  any  uncommon 
degree  of  depravity,  men  will  dispute  about  the  several 
interesting  concerns  of  social  life." — page  198.  What  a 
lesson  of  forbearance  is  taught  us  in  this  remark ! 

Tlie  plan  of  discussion  is  to  show, 

I.  That  all  wars  are  in  a  certain  sense  the  work  of  the 
Lord. 

n.  As  such,  they  ought  to  be  understood  and  declared 
by  a  religious  ]3eople. 

The  discussion  of  the  first  head  leads  the  reader  to 
a  devout  consideration  of  the  providence  of  God,  while 
under  the  second  division  of  the  subject,  we  are  conducted 
to  a  most  interesting  view  of  the  several  ends  to  be  answered 
by  this  war^  as  a  work  of  the  providence  of  God.  In 
illustration  of  this  part  of  his  subject  he  affirms, 

1.  That  the  war  is  a  judgment. 

2.  That  it  is  a  trial  of  Christian  liberality — of  the  degree 
oi  patriotism  to  be  found  in  the  United  States,  of  our 
republican  institutions. 

3.  The  war  is  a  benefit.  Its  sufferings  will  exercise  the 
saints  unto  godliness,  promote  their  holiness,  their  useful- 
ness, and  their  future  happiness.  It  brings  to  notice  among 
the  thinking  part  of  society,  throughout  the  nations,  gr^eai 
a/nd  important  principles  of  moral  order.  America,  by  it, 
will  acquire  a  respectable  character  among  the  nations. 
The  American  name  respected  abroad,  will  communicate  at 
home  the  impulse  of  patriotism.     The  doctrine  of  expatria- 


PROPHETIC  LANGUAGE.  255 

tion,  and  the  true  nature  of  allegiance  and  protection,  being 
better  understood,  will  encourage  the  best  part  of  the 
Protestants  of  Europe  to  seek  here  an  asylum,  in  the  day 
of  trial  and  darkness  which  awaits  them  in  their  own 
country.  It  is  destined  of  the  Lord  to  subserve  the  drying 
up  of  the  waters  of  Euphrates ;  the  destruction  of  the 
slavish  doctrines  of  the  old  world. 

The  progress  of  events,  during  the  last  twenty  years,  has 
fully  justified  those  anticipations  of  this  distinguished  man. 
Through  the  clouds  that  hung,  in  that  loweriDg  day,  upon 
the  horizon  of  our  country,  his  keen  eye  descried  what, 
under  a  benign  Providence,  the  triumphant  march  of  the 
democracy  of  the  land  has  realized.  Listen  to  his  prophetic 
language : 

"  The  very  opposition  which  is  made  to  this  war  is  the 
means  of  ultimately  strengthening  the  American  democracy. 
"Whatever  may  be  the  designs  of  the  leaders  of  that  opposi- 
tion, the  arguTTients  employed  by  them  are  democratic,  and 
these  will  not  be  forgotten.  The  appeals  which  are  made  to 
the  people  will  make  the  people  still  more  sensible  of  their 
own  strength  and  importance.  The  societies  which  are 
formed,  whether  to  support  or  to  oppose  the  Administration, 
are  so  many  small  democracies,  which  still  tend  to  promote 
the  principles  of  civil  liberty.  They  are  Jacobinical  iiisti- 
tutions,  conducted  with  all  the  zeal  for  power,  but  with 
more  intelligence  and  order,  than  the  Parisian  associations. 
E"ay,  the  very  Coistvention  of  the  Eastern  States,  and  all  the 
opposition  which  the  measures  of  this  government  have 
provoked  in  that  part  of  our  country,  are  predicated  upon 
the  principles  of  democracy.  The  war  itself,  and  all  the 
strife  and  the  contention  which  it  has  produced,  must  there 


256         MEMOIR  OF  ALEXANDER  MCLEOD,  D.D. 

fore  be  considered,  in  the  providence  of  Gsod,  as  the  means 
of  destruction  to  the  slavish  doctrines  of  the  old  world,  and 
as  ultimately  tending  to  the  general  emancipation  of  the  hu- 
man race  from  the  bondage  of  despotism  and  superstition." 

In  behalf  of  the  representative  democracy  of  the  United 
States,  the  powerful  mind  and  ardent  affections  of  Dr.  Mc 
Leod  were  deeply,  j)erseveringly,  and  consistently  interested. 
He  believed  the  government  of  united  America  to  be  the 
strongest  ujDon  earth,  because  sustained  by  the  whole  people, 
and  in  its  perpetuity  he  had  great  confidence.  The  form  of 
social  order,  now  organized  and  in  operation  in  the  United 
States,  he  was  fully  persuaded,  is  better  calculated  than  any 
other  to  subserve  the  cause  of  evangelical  religion,  in  its 
purifying  influence  upon  the  heart,  and  in  its  elevating 
influence  upon  the  character  of  man.  He  was  disposed  to 
give  to  Europe  full  credit  for  her  attainments  in  literature 
and  general  science  ;  but  in  the  science  of  the  rights  of  man, 
and  the  proper  guardianship  of  those  rights,  he  considered 
the  people  of  Europe  far  behind  the  citizens  of  the  United 
States.  His  visit  to  the  British  Isles,  a  few  years  before  his 
decease,  confirmed  him  in  the  correctness  of  his  previous 
views.  Kingcraft  he  perceived  to  be  so  closely  interwoven 
with  the  thoughts  of  civil  government,  generally  entertained 
by  even  the  enlightened  and  best  men,  habituated  to 
monarchical  domination,  that  he  had  little  hope  of  a  very 
speedy  disenthrallment  of  the  public  mind  from  the  entangle- 
ments thrown  around  it.  The  lures,  too,  of  priestci'aft  will 
continue  to  throw  their  toils  and  catch  their  prey,  so  long  as 
corrupt  and  powerful  ecclesiastical  establishments  are  found 
to  have  place  among  the  nations.  Uj^on  princij)le,  the 
author,  whose  work  we  have  briefly  reviewed,  was  opposed 


THE   MARTYRS.  257 

to  kingcraft,  priestcraft,  aud  the  debasing  tendencies  of 
aristocratic  arrogance.  lie  understood,  and  as  he  progres- 
sively studied  and  contempLated  the  institutions  of  the 
United  States,  he  more  firmly  believed  that  in  the  arrange- 
ments of  God,  the  principles  and  form  of  these  institutions, 
directed  by  a  people  under  evangelical  influence,  were 
destined  to  be  the  means  of  the  emancipation  of  man.  It 
was  this  impression  that  inspired  such  sentiments  as  these  : 

''  I  have  spoken  upon  this  subject,  as  a  Wino — -as  the 
friend  of  religion  and  liberty — as  a  consistent  Presbyte- 
rian, averse  from  arbitrary  power.  Our  fathers,  my  dear 
hearers,  were  of  that  stamp.  Our  brethren  in  the  Reformed 
Church  (for  I  have  spoken  their  sentiments  concerning  all 
the  great  moral  principles  which  I  have  discussed),  are  now, 
and  have  been  from  the  dawn  of  the  Reformation,  Whigs 
from  conscience.  The  Puritans,  the  Presbyterians,  the 
Martyrs,  supported  the  same  principles,  in  their  faithful 
opposition  to  the  throne,  and  the  j^i'dacy  of  tyrannical 
England.  The  monuments  of  their  faith  and  their  suffer- 
ings are  still  to  be  seen  by  the  traveller,  in  every  part  of 
that  guilty  land ;  and  their  blood,  like  that  of  Abel,  still 
calls  for  vengeance  upon  the  successor  of  the  prosecutors, 
the  advocates  of  the  crown  and  mitre — the  Brftish  Tories. 

"  The  spirit  of  true  religion  is  friendly  to  civil  liberty. 
It  has  appeared  to  be  so  in  every  country.  Some  of  the 
most  faithful  ministers,  among  the  Reformers,  with  patriotic 
ardor  contended,  even  with  the  sword,  in  defence  of  their 
civil  and  religious  liberties,  Ulric  Zuingle,  the  morning 
star  of  the  Reformation,  fell  in  battle  at  Zurich,  1530,  at  the 
commencement  of  the  strife  against  arbitrary  power ;  and 
towards  the  close  of  the  struggle  which  terminated  in  the 


258  MEMOIR   OF   ALEXANDER   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

overthrow  of  the  purest  of  the  churches,  Richard  Cameron 
fell  at  Airsmoss,  1680,  while  defending,  as  a  Christian  hero, 
the  religion  and  liherties  of  his  country,  against  the  tyranny 
of  the  bishops,  and  the  royal  house  of  Stuart. 

"  So  far  as  I,  too,  may  still  retain  any  portion  of  the  spirit 
of  my  native  land,  where  Wallace  fought,  where  Buchanan 
wrote,  where  Knox  preached  the  gospel  of  God,  where  the 
Martyrs,  down  from  Patrich  Hamilton  to  James  Renwiclc, 
left  their  flesh  to  rest  in  hope  of  deliverance — that  spirit  is 
opposed  to  the  impious  misrule  of  a  corrupt  hierarchy  and 
immoral  power.  If  I  have  caught  the  spirit  of  this,  the 
country  of  my  choice,  it  is  in  favor  of  liberty.  If  I  claim  a 
place  among  consistent  Protestants,  I  must  testify  against 
all  the  acts  of  Antichristian  jpower.  If  I  follow  the  steps 
which  are  dyed  by  the  blood  of  the  Martyrs,  I  must  raise 
my  voice  against  the  thrones  which  shed  that  blood.  If 
the  Bible  is  my  system  of  religion,  and  of  social  order,  I 
must  disclaim  attachment  to  those  powers  that  are  hostile  to 
evangelical  doctrine,  and  to  the  rights  of  the  church  of 
God.  If,  in  so  doing,  I  have  offended  any  of  my  hearers, 
it  is  without  intending  it ;  for  I  watch  for  your  souls,  and 
desire  to  promote  your  welfare  and  your  happiness. 

"  I  have,  ]iowever,  in  these  discourses,  which  I  now  bring 
to  a  close,  proved  the  right,  which  Christian  ministers 
possess,  of  appljdng  the  Christian  doctrine  to  man  in  liis 
social  as  well  as  in  his  individual  capacity  ;  and  have  given 
sufficient  evidence,  in  the  exercise  of  this  right,  that  true 
religion  is  favorable  to  the  improvement  aiid  freedom  of 
mankind.  The  moral  character  of  both  the  belligerents,  this 
rej^ublic  and  the  British  monarchy,  has  been  weighed  in  the 
sacred  balance,  and  the  preference  given  to  our  own 
country.     I  have  shown,  both  the  lawfulness  of  waging  war, 


AMERICA   VINDICATED.  259 

and  the  causes  which,  jiistify  the  aiDplicatioii  of  force  by  one 
nation  to  another.  I  have  vindicated  the  cause  of  America 
against  a  jealous  and  powerful  rival.  I  have  exhibited, 
from  obvious  considerations,  and  the  predictions  of  the  word 
of  God,  the  designs  of  Providence  in  permitting  this 
country  to  be  involved  in  the  bloody  contest.  In  doing  this, 
my  Christian  brethren,  it  has  been  far  from  my  thoughts  to 
give  offence  to  any,  even  the  least,  of  the  saints.  I  appeal 
to  the  tenor  of  my  ministry,  to  you  who  habitually  wait 
upon  it,  and  to  the  heart-searching  God,  whom  I  serve  in 
the  gospel  of  his  Son,  that  I  do  not  practise  upon  a  spirit  of 
contempt  for  the  feelings  of  my  fellowMnen,  although  I  am 
accustomed  to  speak  without  the  fear  of  man,  what  I  believe 
to  be  seasonable  truth. 

"  I  have,  indeed,  spoken  what  I  felt  it  my  duty  to  speak, 
without  respect  of  persons.  Time  will  determine  whether 
I  have  erred  or  not :  and  I  leave  the  consequences,  as  it 
respects  myself  and  all  that  is  dear  to  me — as  it  respects  the 
cause  of  America  in  the  present  contest,  to  God  mt  Eedeejiee, 
to  whom  le  glory  for  ever  and  ever — Amen." — pp.  231-235. 

Able  as  these  discourses  confessedly  are,  and  familiar  as 
the  various  and  important  subjects  treated  of  appear  to 
have  been  to  his  mind,  it  would  be  injustice  to  the  author 
not  to  say,  that  in  the  exposition  of  the  peculiar  doctrines 
of  the  gospel  of  God,  and  in  urging  their  experimental  and 
practical  application  upon  the  hearts,  and  in  the  lives  of 
his  hearers,  he  was  much  more  at  home.  That,  indeed, 
was  the  work  he  loved,  in  which  he  had  much  enjoyment, 
and  in  which  he  greatly  excelled.  His  volume  upon  "  The 
Life  and  Power  of  True  Godliness"  will  remain  a  lofty  monu- 
ment to  his  reputation,  afford  a  specimen  of  the  material 


260         MEMOIR  OF  ALEXANDER  MCLEOD,  D.D. 

and  spirit  of  Ins  ministrations  in  the  sanctnarj,  while  thej 
edify,  gukle  and  comfort,  many  of  the  redeemed  of  the 
Lord  on  their  jonrney  to  the  celestial  Zion. 

ISTo  remark,  in  the  conrse  of  this  review,  has  been  made 
upon  either  the  style  or  arrangement  of  this  work.  Pic- 
nic criticism  on  this  occasion  would  be  out  of  place.  The 
author  thought  clearly,  and  committed  his  thoughts  to  paper 
with  great  facility.  His  corrections  of  copy  for  the  press 
were  very  few.  Upon  the  pages  now  before  us,  we  have  in. 
characters  sufiiciently  legible,  the  signature  of  the  logical 
mind,  and  the  belles  lettres  scholar,  as  well  as  that  of  the 
jurist  attd  divine. 


CONGKEGATION  RESIGNED.  261 


CHAPTER    XII. 
1817. 

From  the  close  of  the  "War  until  the  year  181S. 

It  has  been  already  stated,  that  for  certain  reasons  before 
specified,  that  the  Doctor  had  solicited  and  obtained  a  dis- 
junction from  his  congregation.  Tliis  transaction  took  place 
at  a  meeting  of  Presbytery  in  Eyegate,  Yermont.  In 
reference  to  this,  the  Doctor,  on  October  4:th,  1814,  thus 
writes  his  friend : 

"  My  Yert  Dear  Brother  : — 

"  Should  anything  of  importance  occm-, 
when  I  receive  the  minutes  of  tlie  proceedings  of  the  Pres- 
bytery in  Eyegate,  I  shall  let  you  know.  To  me,  no  doubt, 
these  minutes  will  prove  interesting,  as  I  understand  by 
letter  from  Mr.  McMaster,  that  my  present  pastoral  relation 
ceases  on  the  first  of  May,  1815. 

"  Six  months,  however,  may  produce  changes  now  unex- 
pected ;  and  with  that  length  of  time  before  me,  I  shall  not 
yet  begin  to  experience  the  anxiety  incident  to  the  dissolu- 
tion of  strong  ties,  and  the  formation  of  new  ones. 
Whether  my  life  be  long  or  short,  and  wherever  it  may  be 
spent,  my  relation  to  the  first  companions  of  my  public 
labors  shall,  I  trust,  remain  unaltered  in  character  of  afl:ec- 


262  MEMOm   OP   ALEXAJSTDER   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

tion ;  and  my  fidelity  to  my  ecclesiastical  trust,  at  least, 
imdiminislied.  This  tnist  is  founded  on  the  Lord,  and  the 
rest  is  at  his  disposal. 

"  In  the  present  state  of  things,  however,  we  have  need 
of  your  advice,  and  your  prayers.  Unable  to  procure  a 
compromise  of  the  Teller  suit,'^  or  to  redeem  our  ground  at 
the  price  demanded,  and  very  unfit  to  enter  single-handed 
upon  the  contest  of  another  suit  at  law,  all  prospect  of 
imj^rovement  of  our  place  of  worship  is  at  an  end,  and  it  is 
uncertain  whether  we  shall  not  lose,  irrecoverably,  what  we 
already  enjoy.  The  spirit  of  my  people  is  not  for  enterprise ; 
and  those  who  could  give  the  s^^ur  do  not  do  so.  There 
seems  to  be  but  dissolution  of  the  congregation,  or  a  bold 
stroke  that  may,  at  once,  double  its  power  and  respectability, 
awaiting  the  friends  of  Reformation  in  this  city. 

"  When  w^e  are  prepared  for  the  solemnity  of  a  commu- 
nion season,  we  shall,  perhaps,  be  disposed  to  join  in  it  once 
more  together.  With  your  aid  I  first  dispensed  that 
sacrament  of  the  supper  to  these  my  people ;  and,  with  your 
aid,  I  expect  to  dispense  it  for  the  last  time,  before  they 
cease  to  be  my  people.  Unless  your  heart  shall  urge  my 
request,  my  pen  shall  move  in  vain. 

"  My  connection  with  the  Cedar  street  church  will  soon  be 
at  an  end.  Doctor  Romeyn  is  expected  in  this  month. 
After  that  I  shall  feel,  for  the  little  remaining  time,  more  at 
home  among  my  people.  I  must  relinquish  this  subject 
*  *  *  "  My  health  is  failing,  my  strength  is  breaking, 
my  son,  I  fear  is  lost  to  me,  by  disease  of  the  hip-joint,  and 
my  little  daughter  is  threatened  with  hydrocephalus.     In  all, 

*  Teller  was  a  persoa  who  preferred  a  claim  to  the  lot  of  ground  on  which 
the  church  was  built ;  and  which  was  afterwards  abandoned  by  him  for  the 
consideration  of  some  five  thousand  dollars. 


SYMPATHY.  263 

I  see  the  hand  of  Him,  who  is  the  only  support  and  portion 
of  his  people.     My  love  to  all  friends. 

"  Yours  &c., 

«A.  McL." 

It  is  certainly  deserving  particular  notice,  that  neither 
domestic  afflictions  nor  congregational  embarrassments 
could  check  the  tide  of  sympathy  and  the  flow  of  friendship 
which  animated  his  breast.  Of  this  the  following  letter  fur- 
nishes abundant  evidence. 

"Eev.  and  Dear  Beothek*.' — 

"  By  Mr.  Gill's  account  of  the  state  of  your 
health,  my  fears  were  greatly  excited ;  and  although  much 
diminished  by  Mrs.  Gill's  letter  to  her  husband,  they  are 
far  from  being  removed. 

"  It  was  to  me  exceedingly  painful  to  be  disappointed  in 
the  anticipations  I  had  of  a  visit  from  you ;  but  while  the 
state  of  your  health  accounted  for  your  absence,  it  was 
far  from  allaying  my  sorrow. 

"  The  continuance  of  this  terrible  disease,  at  your  period 
of  life,*  and  its  malignant  aspect,  indicate  in  my  opinion, 
the  necessity  of  a  total  change  of  your  mode  of  life.  Tour 
intense  application  must  be  relinquished,  and  active  life 
take  place  of  thought.  God,  of  his  rich  mercy,  grant 
that  you  may  now  be  so  far  recovered  as  to  aflbrd 
room  to  hope  that  it  is  not  yet  too  late  to  make  the 
change. 

"  If  Philadelpliia  can  support  you  as  a  pastor,  I  should 

*  This  disease  was  a  violent  headache,  to  which  Dr.  Wylie  was  periodically 
subject,  every  twelve  or  eighteen  months,  sometimes  nearly  suspending  the 
pulsation  of  the  arteries. 


264  MEMOIK   OF   ALEXANDER   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

be  satisfied,  but  tlie  school  or  tlie  seminary,  or  both,  must 
be  given  up.  My  wish,  however,  and  it  is  one  which 
always  existed,  but  it  is  now  stronger  than  ever ;  my  wish 
and  my  hope  is  to  see  you  removed  from  Philadelphia 
altogether.  With  what  you  can  save  from  your  hard 
earnings  in  that  city,  a  decent  residence  can  be  procured 
in  the  country.  The  air  and  the  exercise  will  give  a  new 
tone  to  your  frame ;  and  the  seminary  with  less  attention 
to  its  details,  may  yet  flourish  imder  your  auspicies  in 
Duanesburg,  where  I  would  appoint  your  future  labors — ■ 
or,  if  you  will,  in  some  part  of  Pennsylvania.  To  live  in 
bondage  as  you  do,  although  it  be  s^^lendid,  is  not  to  be 
compared  with  the  atmosphere  of  the  hills,  and  the  occa- 
sional peltings  of  the  bracing  storm.  Your  life  is  more 
valuable  to  your  wife  and  your  tender  babes,  than  all 
the  property  which,  by  a  life,  in  your  case  more  than 
commonly  uncertain,  you  can  make  for  them  in  your  present 
situation. 

"  If  I  live  to  meet  again  the  friends  of  my  youth,  and 
the  dear  partners  of  my  early  ministry,  every  power  of  my 
mind  and  body  shall  be  exercised,  for  the  total  dissolution 
of  our  seminary,  rather  than  see  its  existence  as  a  chain 
around  your  neck  in  Philadelphia,  to  pull  you  down  to  the 
grave.  May  the  God  of  Israel  direct  to  that  which  is 
best  for  our  church.  At  present,  I  feel  fully  convinced, 
that  your  disenthr ailment,  accompanied  with  an  opportunity 
of  travelling,  of  counselling,  and  of  preaching  everywhere, 
would,  under  God,  be  more  beneficial  than  all  the  students 
whom  you  will  educate  while  you  live  in  Philadelphia, 
who  might  not  otherwise  be  brought  forward  to  the  public 
service  of  the  sanctuary.  And  I  cannot  in  this  connection 
avoid  making  the  remark,  that  it  is  painful  to  see  the 


TRUE   FEIENDSHIP.  2G5 

Chiircli  of  God,  borne  down  with  an  incompetent  minis- 
tiy. 

"  If  you  are  able  to  write,  do  it,  if  it  were  but  a  line, 
and.  if  not,  direct  another  to  send  me  word  immediately. 

"  Yom's  sincerely, 

"A.  McL." 

This  extract  furnishes  a  specimen  of  the  Doctor's  benevo- 
lent feeling,  and  the  intensity  of  his  friendship,  Ilis  was 
not  the  friendship  of  mercenary  calculation ;  but  the  spon- 
taneous effusion  of  an  enlarged  and  honest  heart.  At  the 
altar  of  friendship,  with  him  no  sacrifice,  principle  excepted, 
was  ever  considered  too  costly. 

It  was  remarked  above,  that  the  Doctor's  sermons  on 
the  war  with  Great  Britain,  were  so  popular,  that  they 
soon  ran  through  a  second  edition.  They  abounded  with 
patriotic  feeling,  and  exposed  those  party  measures,  which, 
whether  so  intended  or  not,  were  calculated  to  embar- 
rass the  Administration.  The  same  vicAvs  and  feelings  res- 
pecting that  second  struggle  for  independence,  uniformly 
prevailed  both  with  pastors  and  people,  through  the  whole 
religious  connection  to  Avliich  the  Doctor  belonged.  To  a 
man,  they  all  rallied  on  the  side  of  liberty,  and  against 
oppression.  There  is  something  in  their  principles  essen- 
tially hostile  to  slavery  in  all  its  variety  of  shades  and 
degrees.  The  blood  of  the  British  Covenanters  still  flowed 
in  their  veins.  Tliey  cheerfully  volunteered  into  the 
United  States  army,  as  in  duty  bound  to  defend  with  their 
lives,  the  sacred,  the  invaluable  Palladium  of  American 
liberty.  They  fought  and  bled,  and  died  in  the  mainten- 
ance of  the  freedom  and  independence  of  the  country  of 

18 


2G6  JSEEMOm  OF  alexajstdek  mc  leod,  d.d. 

their  birtli,  or  acloj^tion.  In  tliis,  tlie  people  were  encour- 
aged by  tlieir  pastors.  Their  prayers  publicly  and  privately 
were  presented  to  the  throne  of  grace,  for  the  success  of 
the  good  cause.  During  the  war,  as  already  observed, 
■while  many  were  native  or  naturalized  citizens,  some  of 
them  labored  under  various  inconveniencies,  as  aliens — 
not  in  heart  and  affection,  but  only  in  the  legal  and 
technical  sense  of  that  name.  They  loved  the  country,  and 
appreciated  its  free  institutions.  They  had  come  hither  as  to 
a  home  for  themselves  and  their  offspring.  Some  of  them 
had  neither  been  naturalized  nor  even  signified  their  inten- 
tion of  becoming  citizens,  as  the  law  requires  in  such  cases. 

Yet  in  the  good  providence  of  Almighty  God,  scarcely 
any  difficulty  occurred,  even  to  those  who  were  in  this  con- 
dition. The  sentiments  of  our  religious  connections  were 
generally  known,  in  reference  to  the  war,  by  those  whose 
business  it  was  to  attend  to  these  matters.  Om*  people  were 
understood  to  be  friendly  to  the  American  cause;  they 
joined  its  standard,  and  cheerfully  bore  their  share  of  public 
burdens.  They  were  subjected,  therefore,  to  very  little 
annoyance,  to  the  close  of  the  war.  And,  blessed  be  God, 
this  disastrous  scourge,  which  had  cost  so  much  blood  and 
treasure,  was,  in  1815,  succeeded  by  a  peace  which  has  not 
been  interrupted  for  more  than  twenty  years.  This  was 
effected  by  prudent  negotiation.  The  memorable  battle  of 
!N"ew  Orleans  had  no  influence  on  it,  not  being  then  known 
to  the  diplomatic  agents  who  conducted  that  negotiation. 
This  peace  took  place  upon  the  publication  of  the  second 
edition  of  the  Doctor's  war  sermons ;  and  to  it  he  makes  a 
handsome  allusion  in  the  advertisement  of  that  edition. 

On  the  close  of  the  war,  the  foreign  correspondence  of 
the  church,  which  had  met  with  a  temporary  interruption. 


FAMILY    AFFLICTIOX. 


^67 


■was  again  resumed.  The  most  friendly  relations,  however, 
still  subsisted  with  onr  brethren  abroad.  In  a  letter  dated 
20th  October,  1815,  Dr.  McLeod  thus  addresses  his  friend  in 
Philadelphia. 

"My  Dear  Bkother: — 

"  From  our  connections  in  Scotland  and  Ire- 
land I  have  had  several  communications,  with  the  general 
news  of  the  Church ;  and  Synodical  official  communications 
are  arrived  from  Scotland.  They  contain  remarks  on  om- 
almost  forgotten  overture.  It  would  surprise  you,  perhaps, 
to  learn,  that  they  are  all  upon  the  side  of  liberality,  and 
tend  to  render  our  system  less  exclusive. 

"Yours,  as  ever, 

"A.  McL." 

The  Doctor  was  rather  under  a  mistake  in  thinking  that 
his  friend  in  Philadelphia  would  be  surprised  at  Scottish 
liberality.  He  knew  their  character  too  well.  Tliey  are 
generally  slow  in  their  deliberations,  but  very  judicious  in 
their  decisions.  Tlie  country  of  Knox  and  Henderson  is  too 
enlightened,  to  imagine  that  Peformation  had  reached  its 
acme  in  1019.  The  Scottish  brethren  will  be  found  in  the 
golden  mean,  avoiding  cither  extreme. 

It  is  again  our  painful  duty  to  record  further  and  deeper 
afflictive  dispensations  in  the  family  of  this  excellent  man, 
and  devoted  servant  of  the  Most  Iligh  God.  The  record  is 
due  to  the  godly,  into  whose  hands  this  memoir  may  come. 
Here  they  will  find  a  practical  exemplification  of  that  pre- 
cious truth,  "  "Whom  the  Lord  loveth,  he  chasteneth."  By 
reflecting  on  it,  they  may  be  helped  to  avoid  either  extreme 


268  MEMOIE   OF   ALEXANDER   MCLEOD,    D.D . 

of,  "  despising  tlie  cliasteuing  of  the  Lord,  or  fainting,  when 
they  are  rebuked  of  Him." 

On  the  21st  of  l^ovember,  1815,  the  following  letter 
was  received  from  Dr.  McLeod : 

"  My  Deak  Bkothee  : — 

"ISText  Sabbath  is  the  preparation  for  the  com- 
munion. I  cannot  perform  the  ordinary  service.  Last  Sab- 
bath I  did  not  leave  home.  The  Sabbath  preceding,  I  was 
at  the  Wallkill  Sacrament.  My  j^eople  suffer.  On  you  I 
call  for  their  help.  After  recovering  from  influenza,  I  am 
reduced  by  vigilance  and  woe.  An  obstinate  affection  of 
the  breast  admonishes  me  of  my  unfitness  for  the  task  before 
me.  My  poor  debilitated  wife  wants  your  company.  My 
people  want  your  services.  I,  most  of  all,  want  a  friend.  I 
had  three  lovely  daughters.  Two  are  gone.  I  have,  to-day, 
but  one  remaining.  To-morrow  I  lay  my  Mary  Jane  along 
side  of  her  sister  Susan.  God  strikes  me  often  and  sorely. 
My  iniquities  oppress  my  soul.  Brother,  pray  for  me. 
K  you  love  me,  come  to  me  before  the  week  terminates. 

"A.  McL." 

This  letter  speaks  for  itself.  Its  pathos  is  deej:).  Through 
every  sentence  breathe  the  anguish,  the  affliction,  the  resig- 
nation, and  the  piety,  of  the  tender-hearted  and  magnani- 
mous Christian. 

It  would  be  superfluous  to  say,  that  such  an  appeal  to  the 
friend  of  his  youth  was  irresistible.  But  to  paint  the  meet- 
ing, or  do  justice  to  the  interview,  I  shall  not  attempt. 
There  is  reason  to  believe,  it  was  blessed  for  mutual 
comfort. 

Tlie  sacramental  services  and  communion  were  conducted 


CONSOLATION.  269 

by  Dr.  Wylie.  Tlie  experience  of  the  congregation  attested 
tlie  approbatory  presence  of  the  King  of  Zion ;  and  his 
people  recognized,  as  on  former  occasions,  his  stately  step- 
pings  in  the  sanctuary.  Their  faith  was  helped,  and  their 
pastor  with  his  amiable  and  godly  sponse,  like  David  in  his 
distress,  "  strengthened  themselves  in  God." 

The  author  of  this  memoir  cannot  help  being  afraid,  that 
he  will  incnr  the  charge  of  egotism,  by  introducing  so  many 
extracts  of  letters  from  Dr.  McLeod  to  himself,  and  scarcely 
any  from  him  to  others.  It  seems  as  if  he  wanted  it  to 
appear  that  he  was  the  Doctor's  principal,  if  not  his  only, 
correspondent.  Far,  very  far  from  it.  However  honored 
he  might  feel  by  the  distinction,  he  makes  no  pretensions  to 
exclusive  favoritism,  in  the  affection  and  confidence  of  the 
Eev.  Doctor.  He  regrets  exceedingly  that,  after  repeated 
efforts,  on  his  part,  to  obtain  from  various  sources  informa- 
tion of  every  kind,  and  through  whatever  channel ;  whether 
from  epistolary  correspondence,  or  in  the  shape  of  anecdote 
calculated  to  present  to  the  j)ublic  a  more  perfect  portraiture 
of  the  Doctor's  character,  he  met  with  but  little  success. 
Some  excused  themselves  from  the  idea  of  indelicacy  in 
exposing  private  correspondence.  From  those,  such  extracts 
as  might  delineate  character,  while  they  could  not  possibly 
disturb  the  sanctuary  of  private  confidence,  have  been 
requested,  but  still  without  success.  Others  have  had  no 
correspondence  with  the  Doctor,  which,  in  their  opinion, 
involved  sufficient  interest  to  be  recorded  in  this  memoir. 
Others  have  cordially  complied  with  the  request,  and  their 
favors  will  be  found  in  their  proper  place.  These  will 
multiply  as  we  advance.  Previously  to  this  ]mrt  of  the 
Doctor's  history,  but  few  of  his  correspondents  accessible  to 
the  writer,  are  now  alive.     But  in  the  sequel  of  this  sketch, 


270         MEMOIR  OF  ALEXANDER  MCLEOD,  D.D. 

niimerons  documents,  botli  foreign  and  domestic,  will  sliow 
the  extensive  intercourse  lie  maintained  witli  liis  friends, 
both  at  home  and  abroad.  Only  a  few  extracts  of  the 
numerous  letters  addressed  to  the  writer  are  inserted  in  this 
record.  Many  of  them,  while  consolatory  to  his  own  heart, 
recalling  delightful  emotions,  can  never  appear  to  the 
public  eye. 

The  condition  of  our  churches,  in  the  meantime,  was 
improving  in  every  part  of  the  Union,  Avliere  settlements 
had  been  made.  The  students  furnished  by  the  Theological 
Seminary,  were  supplying  the  numerous  vacancies,  which 
were  ripening  into  congregations.  Yarious  ministerial 
settlements  were  made  in  the  West  and  in  the  South,  and 
also  within  the  bounds  of  the  l^orthern  Presbytery. 

On  the  16th  of  May,  1816,  the  Synod  met,  pursuant  to 
adjournment,  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia.  This  was  the 
fifth  meeting  of  the  Peformed  Presbyterian  Synod  of  North 
America.  Addresses  were  received  from  the  Reformed 
Presbyterian  Judicatories,  both  in  Scotland  and  Ireland, 
expressive  of  a  spirit  of  brotherly  love,  cordial  co-operation, 
and  anxious  wishes  for  the  prosperity  of  the  Keformed  Pres- 
byterian Church  in  these  United  States.  These  feelings  and 
wishes  were  ardently  recij^rocated  by  Synod;  and  a  com- 
mittee appointed  to  transmit  heartfelt  expressions  of  frater- 
nal amity  to  the  sister  churches  in  the  British  Isles. 

Dr.  McLeod  had  been  appointed  by  a  former  meeting,  to 
prepare  and  present  at  this,  a  draught  of  a  form  of  a  cove- 
nant, accompanied  by  a  suitable  address  to  our  own  church, 
and  to  other  surrounding  denominations.  Being  asked 
whether  he  was  in  readiness  to  present  these  draughts,  he 
replied,  that  he  was  only  partially  prepared  to  present  them ; 
and  intimated  that  our  brethren  in  Scotland  were  engaged 


MEETING   OF   SYNOD. 


271 


in  a  similar  work,  and  suggested  tlie  propriety  of  waiting 
until  the  next  meeting,  ere  wliicli  a  copy  of  the  Scottish 
overture  might  be  in  our  hands.  To  this  the  Synod  readily 
agreed. 

At  this  meeting  the  Synod,  for  the  more  convenient  trans- 
action of  ecclesiastical  business,  reorganized  the  Presby- 
teries, and  increased  their  number.  These  Presbyteries  were 
designated  The  Northern^  Middle^  Southern,  and  Western. 

The  report  of  the  Board  of  Superintendents  of  the 
Seminary,  runs  as  follows  : 

'*  Tlie  Superintendents  report  to  Synod,  that  they  have 
attended  to  the  examinations  and  exhibitions  of  the  theolo- 
gical students,  on  the  appropriate  duties  of  the  Institution, 
and  that  the  students,  without  exception,  have  acquitted 
themselves  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  Board,  and  have  been 
referred  to  their  respective  classes,  viz.  Messrs.  William 
Engles  and  R.  Gibson,  to  the  second  class,  for  the  next 
session ;  and  Messrs.  Johnson,  J.  Gibson,  and  Crawford,  to 
the  third  class. 

There  are  now  five  alumni  in  the  seminary.  The 
superintendents  recommend  to  Synod,  to  pass  an  act 
whereby  Presbyteries  shall  be  authorized  to  take  under  their 
immediate  care,  and  to  license  for  preaching  in  their  respec- 
tive vacancies,  the  students  in  the  seminary,  who  have,  with 
approbation,  passed  through  the  third  session  of  the  Tlieolo- 
gical  School,  and  employ  them  during  the  vacation, 
remanding  them  to  the  proper  studies  of  the  Institution,  at 
the  commencement  of  the  next  session  ;  and  that  this  plan 
shall  be  adopted  in  future,  with  all  such  students  in  the 
seminary.  This  recommendation  was  adopted  by  Synod, 
who  having  appointed  their  next  meeting  at  Coldcnham, 


272  JtlEMOm   OF   ALEXAJ^DER  MCLEOD,    D.D. 

ISTew  York,  on  tlie  first  Wednesday  of  September,  1817, 
adjourned  by  j^rayer. 

The  plan  of  sending   out  to  preach,  students  who  had, 
with   approbation,   completed    their    third    season    at    the 
seminary,  was  adopted  on  the  motion  and  recommendation 
of  Dr.  McLeod.     He  pleaded  in  favor  of  its  adoption,  the 
practice  of  a  respectable  section  of  the  Christian  church ; 
and  enforced  it  on  the  great  plea  of  expediency.     ISTow  with 
all  due  deference  to    the  judgment  of  Dr.  McLeod,  and 
becoming    respect  for    the  practice   of   respectable  sister 
communities,    the    writer    of     this    memoir    could    never 
discover  its  propriety,     "Wherefore  license,  and  send  out  to 
the  world,  to    preach  the    everlasting    gospel,  raw,  inex- 
perienced, half-educated  youth,  in  an  unfledged  condition, 
proclaiming  their  incompetency  by  the  very  fact,  that  after 
their  summer  campaign,  they  are  remanded  on  the  score  of 
deficiency  in  theological  knowledge,  to  resume  the  prosecu- 
tion of  their  studies   next  winter,  in  the   Divinity  Hall? 
Such  a  plan  will  naturally  tend  to  prevent  or  diminish  that 
self-respect  so  useful  in  every  sphere  of  life  ;  but  indispen- 
sable in  the  preacher  of  the  gospel.    It  would  be  unnecessary 
to  say,  that  such  a  self-respect  is  perfectly  compatible  with 
Christian  humility,  and  entire  dependence  on  the  spirit  of 
Christ.     But  sometimes  opposite  results  arise  from  the  same 
cause.     Some  feel  disposed  to  consider  their  return  to  the 
seminary  the    following  winter,    as    entirely  unnecessary. 
Why  should  it  be  necessary  ?     Were  they  not  judged  to  be 
fit  to  preach    during  the   preceding  summer?     Has  their 
practising   the   art  rendered   them  worse?     Does  practice 
disqualify  for  performance  of  the  thing  practised?    Thus 
the  standard  of  preparation  for  ministerial  service  has  been 
lowered;  and   to   numbers,  the  designation  of  pensioners, 


SEKMONS    ON   TRUE    GODLINESS.  273 

would  be  more  appropriate  than  that  of  preachers.  Novices 
in  literature  and  in  science  have  thus  been  introduced  into 
the  ministry ;  ignorant  of  theological  science,  their  appli- 
cation of  its  principles  must  move  along  in  the  same  beaten 
track,  as  mechanically  as  a  locomotive  on  a  railroad. 

In  a  practical  and  religious  point  of  view,  of  all  the 
Doctors'  numerous  productions,  the  sermons  on  true  godli- 
ness, without  hesitation  are  entitled  to  the  precedence.  This 
volume  contains  the  very  marrow  of  the  gospel,  and  of 
Christian  experience.  The  life  and  power  of  genuine 
godliness  are  here  exhibited  in  their  native  grandeur  and 
loveliness.  It  is  rare  to  find  such  a  combination  of  intel- 
lectual vigor  and  sublime  devotion  as  is  displayed  in  these 
discourses. 

They  are  introduced  by  a  beautiful  dedication  to  Colonel 
Henry  Rutgers  of  the  Revolutionary  Army ;  and  with  that 
Christian  patriot  and  eminent  saint  of  God  the  book  was  a 
special  favorite.  Dr.  McLeod  and  Col.  Rutgers  were  on 
terms  of  great  intimacy.  They  deeply  sympathized  with 
each  other  in  their  attachment  to  the  republican  institutions 
of  the  United  States,  and  in  their  views  of  religious  truth 
and  Christian  experience,  and  they  had  much  delightful 
fellowship  as  saints  of  God,  though  in  his  providence  con- 
nected with  different  religious  denominations.  The  sermons 
themselves  were  preached  in  the  old  Rutgers  street  church, 
whose  pulpit  was  then  vacant.  It  was  proposed  to  call  Dr. 
McLeod  to  this  church.  Tliis,  however,  he  declined,  but 
furnished  a  supply  for  several  Sabbaths,  dm'ing  which  the 
discourses  were  delivered.  Tliey  made  a  powerful  impres- 
sion at  the  time,  and,  being  published,  have  kept  their  place 
in  the  sacred  literature  of  the  country  to  the  present  hour. 


274  MEMOm   OF   ALEXANDER   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

The  following  anecdote,  recorded  by  Dr.  McLeod,  is 
finely  illustrative  of  tlie  character  of  his  friend  : 

C0L0:XEL    HENKY    EUTGEES. 

"  This  remarkable  man  had  laid  early  in  life  the  founda- 
tion of  his  characteristic  liberality.  Like  the  son  of  Isaac 
and  heir  of  Abraham,  he  promised  to  the  Lord  a  portion  of 
the  substance  with  which  it  should  please  his  Creator  and 
Redeemer,  in  subsequent  life,  to  provide  him.  This  was 
done  upon  one  of  the  most  interesting  occasions  conceivable, 
w^hile  under  arms  for  the  independence  of  his  country.  It 
was  in  the  year  1YT7  that  he  w\as  called  to  leave  his  native 
city,  in  discharge  of  his  duty  to  that  cause  which  he  piously 
and  patriotically  espoused.  His  father  and  mother  wxre  far 
advanced  in  years,  and  Henry  was  the  only  surviving  son. 
He  bore  a  commission  in  the  army,  and  was  under  orders 
to  proceed  to  his  regiment.  Mounted  upon  his  horse  he 
reached  the  division  lines  which  separated  his  father's 
estate  from  the  Delancey  possessions.  The  spot  is  worthy 
of  recollection ;  and  this  notice  of  it  may  perhaj^s  remind 
the  citizen  and  the  stranger  of  the  transaction  of  which  it 
was  then  the  theatre  and  the  witness.  It  w^as  at  that  time 
in  the  remote  suburbs  of  the  city  of  which  it  is  now  a  part, 
being  in  the  district  bounded  by  Division,  Eutgers,  Jeffer- 
son streets  and  the  East  River. 

"Halting  his  horse,  he  turned  around  on  the  extensive 
domain,  and  the  happy  abode  which  he  had  forsaken  for 
the  chances  of  war,  without  knowing  whether  he  should 
ever  again  behold  his  home.  He  asked  himself  the  ques- 
tion, What  would  I  give  for  a  peaceful  return  to  enjoy  my 
patrimony  ;  and  how  much  of  it  in  case  of  such  an  issue 
would  I  willingly  bestow  upon  public  and  pious  purposes, 


EVANGELICAL   KELIGION.  275 

to  glorify  my  God  in  promoting  the  welfare  of  my  fellow- 
men  ?  Jacob's  vow  occurred  to  his  recollection ;  and  he 
thought  he  should  not  be  less  liberal  then  the  Patriarch  was 
at  Bethel.  Henry  Rutgers  devoted  ih-Q  fourth  of  his  future 
income.  He  returned  in  peace  to  enjoy  the  freedom  which 
he  had  assisted  in  securing  to  his  country,  and  he  long  lived 
to  verify,  by  his  munificence  to  every  pious  and  benevolent 
enterprise,  the  resolution  which  he  had  then  formed.  On 
his  own  estate  he  saw.  before  his  death,  the  Rutgers  street 
and  Market  street  churches.  Free  School  Xo.  2,  Fayette 
street  schools,  and  other  public  institutions,  the  site  of 
which  is  his  donation,  and  which,  besides  other  extensive 
endowments  throughout  the  city  and  the  land,  he  con- 
trbuted  liberally  to  erect  and  maintain." 

Of  these  Discourses  we  offer  the  following  analysis : 
Tha  first  sermon  is  introductory,  and  is  designated 

THE  DISTINGUISHING  CIIARACTEKISTIC   OF  EVANGELICAL  EELIGION. 

Luke  ii.  10 — ■"  I  bring  you  good  tidings  of  great  joy." 

The  introduction  is  natural  and  beautiful.  We  can  do  it 
justice  only  by  transcribing  it.  This  shall  be  done  in  part 
only. 

"  The  pleasure  which  a  great  and  good  mind  receives  in 
the  contemplation  of  what  is  extensively  beneficial,  will 
account  for  the  interest  which  the  holy  angels  feel  in  the 
work  of  redemption.  Those  mighty  agents,  guided  by  vast 
intelligence,  in  all  their  acts,  are,  indeed,  commanded  by  the 
Lord  to  serve  him  in  his  government;  but  so  far  from 
feeling  duty  a  burden  are  they,  in  ministering  to  elect  men, 
that  they  take  care  to  demonstrate  their  own  joy  in  every 


276  MEMOm   OF   ALEXAIS'DEE   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

step  of  the  process  of  the  sinner's  salvation.  The  loss  of 
members  which  the  celestial  society  sustained  by  the  fall  of 
rebel  angels,  is  made  up  by  the  introduction  of  redeemed 
men  into  tlieir  high  fellowship  ;  and  in  this  they  rejoice. 
But  the  superior  development  which  is  made  in  the  Covenant 
of  Grace,  of  the  persons  and  the  perfections  of  the 
Godhead ;  and  the  superior  felicity  which  is  consequently 
diftused.  through  the  intelligent  creation,  principally 
account  for  the  angelic  ecstasy  which  accompanied  the 
delivery  of  the  evangelical  message  announced  in  my 
text." 

The  Doctor  then  proceeds  to  announce  the  plan  of  discus- 
sion, "  I  proceed,"  says  he,  "  to  lay  before  you  with  all  the 
distinctness  of  which  I  am  capable, 

"the  peculiae  excellences  of  the  gospel." 

He  then  defines  the  terms  of  the  proposition,  showing 
that  in  the  original  Greek,  and  English,  or  Saxon  languages, 
it  means  the  same  thing,  viz.  "  good  tidings." 

As  it  was  not  the  author's  object  to  explain  the  good 
things  which  evangelical  religion  holds  in  common  with  any 
other  system,  he  proceeds  immediately  to  specify  some  of 
the  peculiar  excellences. 

"  Christianity  alone,"  says  he,  "  establishes  friendship 
between  God  and  man  in  the  Mediator — provides  j)erfect 
satisfaction  to  Divine  Justice  for  the  sinner's  transgression — 
secures  a  change  of  mind  from  sinfulness  to  holiness  by 
supernatural  power — and  communicates  a  full  title  to  a 
place  in  heaven  by  the  merits  of  another. 

"  These  are  the  peculiarities — these  are  the  excellences  of 
evangelical  religion."     There  is  embraced  both  in  the  matter 


THE   CHKISTIAN    LIFE.  277 

and  tlie  arrangement  of  tliis  excellent  discourse,  a  system  of 
divinity.  Tlie  gospel  finds  men  dead  in  trespasses  and  in  sins 
— restores  friendship  between  the  rebels  and  their  Maker, 
through  the  One  Mediator  between  God  and  man — the  Man 
Christ  Jesus.  It  does  this  upon  the  most  equitable  princi- 
ples, so  that  God  can  be  just,  and  justify  the  ungodly,  who 
believe.  It  does  not  merely  procure  pardon  and  exemption 
from  suffering,  but,  by  supernatural  power,  slaying  the 
enmity  of  nature,  translates  from  darkness  to  light — from 
sin  to  holiness,  and  qualifies  for  glory.  But  it  leaves  not 
the  title  to  glory  suspended  on  gratuitous  pardon  or  arbi- 
trary will;  but  upon  the  arm  of  immutable  justice — the 
righteousness  of  the  Kedeemer  implementing  the  covenant 
of  grace. 

The  conclusion  is  short  and  appropriate.  So  honorable  is 
the  preaching  of  the  gospel,  that  even  angels  deliglit  in 
being  thus  employed.  It  consists  in  three  things  :  (1)  The 
annunciation  of  facts.  (2)  The  declaration  of  doctrines; 
and  (3)  The  offer  of  salvation. 

The  second  discourse  is  entitled : 

THE   jSTATURE   and   ORIGIN    OF   THE   CIIKI3TI.VN   LIFE. 


The  text  is  John  iii.  7 — "Marvel  not  that  I  said  unto 
thee.  Ye  must  be  born  again. 


■>■) 


"  Christianity  has  commanded  the  admiration  and 
extorted  the  praise,  even  of  its  enemies.  Its  influence  over 
human  affiiirs  is  astonishing ;  its  conquests  have  been 
already  extensive  ;  they  are  still  advancing,  and  they  will 
eventually  become  universal.  In  its  improvement  of  our 
race,  and  melioration  of  our  condition  and  our  prospects,  it 


2Y8         MEMOIR  OF  ALEXANDER  MCLEOD,  D.D. 

may  be  considered  in  a  threefold  point  of  view,  as  systema- 
tic and  scientific — didactic  or  discursive — and  experimental 
or  practical. 

"  There  are  three  ways,  my  dear  brethren,  of  considering 
for  our  own  improvement,  that  religion  which  we  believe, 
enjoy,  and  inculcate.  In  all  these,  we  have  in  the  Holy 
Scriptures  an  infallible  guide.  We  may  consider  it  as  it 
was  laid  down  before  the  world  began,  in  the  divine  coun- 
sels— as  it  was  taught,  secured,  and  exemplified  in  the  life 
and  death  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ — and  as  incorporated 
in  the  belief,  and  experience,  and  practice  of  renewed 
man. 

"  The  first  of  these  modes  is  the  most  scientific  and  is 
usually  pursued  in  teaching  the  students  of  theology  a 
knowledge  of  the  system.  The  second  is  most  usually 
followed  in  pulpit  exhibitions — and  the  third  is  occasionally 
employed,  both  from  the  pulpit  and  the  press,  with  a  design 
so  to  apply,  as  well  as  expound  the  Christian  doctrines,  as 
to  discover  to  the  anxious  inquirer  his  own  actual  condition, 
in  reference  to  personal  religion. 

"  It  is  the  last  of  these  modes  which  I  resolve  to  pursue 
in  the  series  of  discourses  which  I  now  propose  to  deliver. 
I  begin  with  a  description  of  the  wonderful  change  which 
is  efiected  on  sinful  man,  by  divine  power,  when  he  first 
becomes  a  true  Christian.  To  this  object  my  text  directs 
your  attention." 

Tlie  plan  of  the  discourse  is  simple  and  obvious.  The 
nature  of  the  new  birth,  and  its  necessity. 

Tlie  author  then  proceeds  to  give  ample  evidence  of  the 
fact :  That  there  is  such  a  change  ;  that  it  is  produced  by  the 
power  of  God's  grace  ;  that  it  is  a  spiritual  change  com- 


HUMAN    ABILITY.  279 

municating  a  new  life  ;  that  this  life  is  instantaneous  in 
its  communication,  altbougli  progressive  in  its  effects. 

The  first  of  these  points  is  irrefutably  established  upon 
Scripture  declarations.  K  any  man  be  in  Christ  Jesus,  he 
is  a  new  creature — new  intellectually,  renewed  in  know- 
ledge, after  the  image  of  Ilim  that  created  him — new 
morally,  a  new  heart  also  will  I  give  you,  &c. 

Tlie  second  is  demonstrated  with  equal  force.  I  will 
create  in  them  a  new  heart — create  in  me  a  clean  heart, 

0  God  !  and  renew  a  right  spirit  within  me.  How  absurd, 
that  the  dead  could  resuscitate  themselves !  a  creature 
create  itself! 

Can  the  Ethiopian  change  his  skin  or  the  leopard  his  spots  ? 
Tlie  will  must  act  according  to  its  nature ;  but  tliat  nature 
is  carnal  and  inimical  to  God,  Ilere  the  Doctor  has 
appended  an  excellent  marginal  note,  which  if  properly 
understood,  would  settle  the  Ilopkinsian  question  resi^ecting 
the  indistinguishcible  distinction  between  natural  and  moral 
ability.     He  says : 

"  From  the  very  nature  of  mind,  it  cannot  be  influenced 

1  )y  impulse  as  matter  is  impelled  by  force.  Volition  does  not 
admit  of  an  efficient,  but  a  moving  cause.  The  mind  is  by 
nature  active.  Yolition  is  its  own  act.  It  is  the  mind 
itself  that  wills,  and  the  reason  why  it  wills  one  thino-  and 
not  another,  depends  upon  the  motive.  By  the  very  iDrin- 
ciple  which  precludes  the  possibility  of  any  other  cause  of 
human  volition,  than  the  natural  activity  of  mind  itself,  the 
necessity  of  a  moving  cause  for  every  volition  is  infallibly 
established.  It  is,  therefore,  manifest,  that  wliatever  power 
ordinances  exercise  over  the  mind,  it  is  only  as  motives  they 
act.     Kow  a  motive  acts  only  as  it  is  perceived,  and  felt. 


280  MEMOm   OF   ALEXANDEE   MCLEOD,    D,D. 

It  must  botli   apipear  to   the    miderstanding,  aud   appear 
affecting  to   the   heart,   in    order  to   move    the   wiU.      It 
sanctifies  neither  the  one  nor  the  other.     It  affects  the  natural 
mind  according  to  its  nature  ;  but  it  does  not  alter  that  nature, 
or  produce  regeneration.     Kenovation  is  of  the  Holy  Ghost." 
Through  the  whole  of   these  fifty-second  and  fifty-third 
pages,  the   reasoning  is  so  logical,  cogent   and  luminous, 
that  conviction  flashes  in  every  line.     It  is  matter  of  regret, 
that  the  limits  of  this  analysis  will  allow  so  little  of  it  to  be 
presented  to  the  reader.     In  reference  to  natural  and  moral 
ability,    in    page    fifty-three,   he    says,   "  Yes !    you    have 
!    natural  faculties,  and  moral  faculties  also  ;  you  have  under- 
I    standing ;  you  have  conscience ;  you  have  affections  ;  you 
I     have  a  will :    but  not  the  power  of  either,  or  all  of  them 
I    together,  whether  natural   or   moral,  call  them  what  you 
I    choose,  is  adequate  to  your  own  regeneration.     Boast  not  of 
\    ability  which  has  no  power  in  relation  to  the  case  in  hand. 
J  With  all  your  natural  ability,  even  if  you  had  the  will^  you 
'\  could  not  make  yourself  a  new  man.     The  will  is  either 
corrupt,  and  it  cannot  produce  holiness  ;  or  it  is  holy,  and 
regeneration  has  already  taken  place.     Upon  either  supposi- 
tion,  the    truth    remains   uncontrovertible.     It  is  not  by 
works  of  righteousness  that  we  have  done,  but  according  to 
his  mercy,  he  hath  saved  us,  by  the  washing  of  regenera- 
tion and  the  renewing  of  the  Holy  Ghost." 

In  the  tldrd  place  he  shows  clearly  that  the  change  is 
spiritual^  or  a  moral  change.  It  is  not  physical,  nor  does  it 
communicate  any  new  faculty  to  its  subject. 

That  regeneration  is  instantaneous,  is  manifest  from  the 
consideration  that  between  life  and  death  there  can  be  no 
intermediate  state. 


PEESONAL   KELIGION.  281 

The  second  head  of  discussion,  viz.  the  necessity  of 
regeneration  to  faith  and  repentance,  acceptable  obedience 
and  worsliip,  and  to  our  happiness  in  time  and  eternitj,  is 
handled  in  a  very  acceptable  manner.  So  also  is  the  con- 
cluding address. 

The  third  discourse  in  the  series  is  most  important  in  its 
nature ;  and  the  importance  is  well  sustained  in  the  execu- 
tion.    It  is  designated, 

THE    SEVERAL   DEGKEES    OF   PERSONAL    RELIGION. 

The  text  is,  Eom.  vi.  4.—"  As  Christ  was  raised  up  from 
the  dead,  by  the  glory  of  the  Father,  even  so  we  also  should 
walk  in  newness  of  life." 

That  progress  in  sanctification  and  consequent  preparation 
for  a  blessed  immortality,  is  of  more  importance  than 
success  in  business,  will  be  denied  by  no  real  Christian. 
That  perfection  in  holiness,  and  fitness  for  glory,  depend 
upon  the  resurrection  of  the  Kedeemer,  are  equally  clear 
from  scripture  authority. 

Our  author,  in  the  discussion  of  his  text, 

I.  Explains  the  words. 

II.  Distinguishes,  by  names  indicative  of  their  character- 
istic features,  the  gradations  in  the  Christian  life. 

The  first  head  explains  the  Kesurrection — its  efficient 
cause,  the  glory  of  the  Father— our  resulting  resurrection, 
and  consequent  obligation  to  walk,  &c. 

In  the  second  head,  the  first  of  the  distinct  degrees  is 
anxiety  to  escape  from  evil ;  the  second  is  distinguished  by 
admiration  of  Christ  and  his  salvation ;  the  third,  by  thirst 
for  improvement  in  the  knowledge  of  his  ways  ;  the  fourth 
by  public  spirit  in  promoting  good  ;   the  fifth,  by  heavenly 

19 


282        MEMOIR  OF  ALEXANDER  MCLEOD,  D.D. 

mindedness — and  tlie  sixth,  by  willingness  to  suffer  in  tlie 
cause  of  God. 

"We  cannot  but  observe  bere,  that,  in  our  opinion, 
this  arrangement  is  accurate,  and  justified  by  Christian 
experience.  It  manifestly  fell  from  the  pen  of  one  who 
could  say,  "  I  believed,  therefore  I  spake."  The  successive 
development  of  the  Christian  character,  in  the  various 
gradations  from  birth  to  maturity  is  happily  delineated. 

It  is  obvious,  even  to  cursory  observation,  that  every  part 
of  God's  arrangements,  in  nature  and  grace,  is  designed  to 
display  a  system  of  moral  order,  and  subserve  the  execution 
of   a  plan  of  wisdom.      To  this,  everything  should  bend, 
because  it  is  infinitely  wise.     To  it  everything  must  bend, 
because  the  author  is  omnipotent.     God  could,  it  is  true, 
perfect  the  sanctification  of  the  elect,  in  a  moment.     He 
need  only  say  the  word,  and  it  shall  be  done.     Why  then 
the  tedious  process  in  the  work  of  sanctification  ?  Why  the 
painful  and  almost  overwhelming  conflicts  with  prevailing 
iniquities,  wath  which  the  best  of  God's   saints  are  often 
disturbed  in  this  life  ?     It  is  true  :  we  have  an  easy  solution 
for  this,  as  well  as  other  mysterious  points,  in  divine  provi- 
dence.    "  Even  so.  Father,  for  so  it  seemed  good  in  thy 
sight."     But  although  the  Deity  is  not  bound  to  give  an 
account  of  his  conduct;  yet  when  we  can   explain  it  on 
rational  principles,  we  are  bound  to  "justify  the  ways  of 
God  to  men."     It  may  be  observed,  then,    (L)   That   the 
Christian  warfare    is    admirably   calculated    to    show  the 
odiousness  of  sin,  and  the  transcendent  power  of  Divine 
Grace,  in  the  final  victory.     (2)  It  is  necessary  to  the  exis- 
tence of  a  church  on  earth,  that  the  sanctification  of  the 
elect  should  not  be  instantaneous,  but  gradual  and  progres- 
sive.   The  reason  is  plain.      The  moment  sanctification  is 


8ANCTIFICATI0N  PKOORESSIVE.  283 

completed,  that  very  moment  the  saints  must  Le  removed 
to  perfect  happiness  in  heaven.  This  world  cannot  be  the 
residence  of  sinless,  perfect  men.  But  if  they  should  he 
thus  instantaneously  removed  to  heaven,  tlie  moment  they 
are  regenerated,  there  could  not  at  any  given  moment  be 
found  a  saint  or  church  on  earth !  for  the  church  of  God  is 
supposed  to  consist  of  saints.  This  world  would  then 
become  a  complete  pandemonium.  But  hear  the  author's 
remarks  on  the  second  particular. 

"  God,  who  is  rich  in  mercy,  and  abundant  in  power, 
might  have  created  all  the  children  of  men  at  once,  as  he 
did  the  angels  of  heaven.  He  might  have  made  all  men 
alike,  in  the  dimensions  of  their  body,  and  the  features  of 
their  countenance.  lie  might  have  made  his  elect  perfect 
in  the  moment  of  regeneration ;  and  have  given  to  all 
the  same  measure  of  happiness  and  holiness,  if  such  a  plan 
had  coiTCsponded  with  infinite  wisdom  and  goodness.  He 
hath  ordered  it  otherwise ;  and  in  the  varieties  of  creation, 
we  perceive  his  wisdom,  and  enjoy  his  munificence.  These 
varieties  displayed  in  his  spiritual  empire,  are  no  less 
interesting  and  instructive.  Though  we  cannot  describe 
them  all,  or  even  one  of  them  perfectly,  it  is  not  unpro- 
fitable to  take  a  rapid  view  of  the  com2:)any  of  pilgrims, 
and  fix  their  distinguishing  features  permanently  before 
us.  The  progress  made  in  the  j)ath  of  righteousness,  is 
not  always  discoverable  at  short  intervals  of  time  ;  and 
to  the  sovereignty  of  God,  both  in  his  general  providence, 
and  in  the  communications  of  his  special  grace,  we  must 
refer  the  question,  why  some  improve  so  rapidly,  while 
others  are  either  stationary  or  declining  under  the  same 
means,  and  with  similar  natural  dispositions." 


284  MEMOm   OF   ALEXAJSTDEE   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

These  remarks  sliall  be  broiiglit  to  a  close,  observing,  that 
this  portraiture  of  the  character  of  the  Christian,  from"  the 
commencement  of  spiritual  life,  until  his  introduction,  to 
glory,  shows  the  pencil  of  a  master.  With  the  inception  of 
vitality,  he  instinctively  desires  to  avoid  evil  and  enjoy  good. 
He  begins  truly  to  admire  the  divine  Jesus,  both  in  the 
power  of  his  resurrection,  and  in  the  fellowship  of  his 
sufierings.  Having  tasted  that  he  is  good  and  gracious, 
he  thirsts  after  the  knowledge  of  Him,  more  and  more — • 
yes,  after  God,  the  Living  God — for  communion  and  fellow- 
ship with  the  Father  and  the  Son  Jesus  Christ.  Having 
experienced  the  animating  influences  of  his  grace,  his 
soul  expands  in  holy  benevolence ;  feels  itself  belonging  to 
the  same  body,  identifies  its  interest  with  his  people,  and 
embraces  in  the  sanctified  catholicity  of  its  love  the  whole 
Israel  of  God.' — Having  reached  this  commanding  emi- 
nence, heavenly  mindedness  becomes  the  predominant  pro- 
pensity of  his  character.  His  conversation  is  in  heaven, 
whence  he  looks  for  the  Saviour,  and  in  fine,  such  is  the 
progressive  invigoration  of  his  faith,  that  he  is  willing  even 
to  suffer  for  his  sake. 

The  Foueth  Seemon  in  the  series  respects  the  Spirit 
of  adoption.  The  text  is  from  Kom.  viii.  15. — "  Ye  have 
received  the  spirit  of  adoption,  whereby  we  cry,  Abba, 
Father." 

But  however  excellent  this  discourse  may  be,  and  an 
excellent  one  it  is,  little  more  than  an  analysis  can  here 
be  attended  to. 

Having  adverted  to  the  former  state  of  the  children  of 
God,  the  apostle  contrasts  it  with  the  present.  Instead 
of  a  state  of  bondage,  they  now  enjoy  Christian  liberty. — 


THE   SPIRIT   OF   ADOPTION.  286 

Tliey  have  as  their  guide  the  Comforter,  and  come  by  Him 
through  Jesus  Christ,  unto  the  Father, 

The  sermon  then  proceeds : — "  Let  us  consider  with 
attention,  the  gift  which  these  children  of  God  have 
received — the  Spirit  of  adoption;  their  Christian  liberty. 
The  spirit  of  bondage  was  not  again  sent  upon  them  ;  and 
the  import  of  their  address  to  God.  They  cry  Abba, 
Father. 

"  The  particulars  under  the  first  head,  are — The  Gift. — 
1st.  The  Holy  Ghost  seals  their  adoption. — 2d,  Witnesses 
their  adoj^tion.^ — 3d.  Communicates  the  comfort  of  it. 

"  Under  the  second  head — Their  Christian  Liberty. — 1st. 
Deliverance  from  the  dominion  of  sin.' — 2d.  From  the 
power  of  Satan. — 3d.  Deliverance  from  undue  human 
influence. 

"Under  the  third  head,  viz. — The  Liiport  of  their  Address. 
1st. — ^The  believer's  approbation  of  his  relation  to  God. 
— 2d.  The  believer  is  soothed  with  the  contemplation  of 
his  Father  in  Heaven. — 3d.  God's  children  consider  him  as 
their  instructor. — Ith.  They  submit  to  chastisement  with 
patience. — 5th.  Tliey  place  themselves  under  God's  pro- 
tection, as  their  Father,  &c. — Gth.  By  this  Spirit  they  come 
with  boldness  to  the  throne  of  grace." 

Although  we  long  since  consigned  to  the  nursery  closets 
the  visionary  paraj)liernalia  of  demonology,  and  now  smile 
at  the  malicious  tricks  of  the  unearthly  goblins  which  excit- 
ed our  fears,  yet  we  cannot  but  rejirobate  the  Sadducean 
doctrine  of  the  semi-infidel.  We  believe  on  Scripture 
ground,  in  Satanic  influence.  In  the  economy  of  Provi- 
dence, the  agency  of  the  Devil  occupies  a  certain  place. 
He  cannot  counteract  or  thwart  the  Divine  pm-pose.     AH 


286  MEMOIR   OF   ALEXAJSDEE   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

Ms  malicious  projects  will  eventually  recoil  on  his  own 
guilty  head.  He  knows  this,  yet  his  malice  induces  him 
still  to  be  the  "Tempter."  A  passage  under  the  second 
particular  of  the  second  head,  is  here  presented  verbatim. 

"  Mind  converses  with  mind,  through  bodily  organs ;  and, 
most  assuredly,  the  want  of  body  cannot  prove  a  hindrance 
to  the  intercourse  of  spirits.     An  unembodied  spirit  may 
have  access  to  a  mind  connected  with  body,  in  a  manner 
which  we  cannot  explain ;  for  we  cannot  explain  the  man- 
ner even   of  our   own  perceptions.      "We   may  trace   the 
impressions  made  by  external  objects   to  the  nerves,  and 
thence  to  the  brain ;  but  how  matter  can  affect  spirit,  even 
then,  is  as  great  a  mystery  as  ever.    How  matter  can  affect 
mind,  is,  certainly,  a  secret  as  inexplicable,  as  how  spirit 
can  converse  with  spirit  without  the  intervention  of  matter. 
It  is  not  necessary,  as  unbelievers  affirm,  to  clothe  Satan 
with  the  attributes  of  omnipresence  or  omniscience,  in  order 
to  make  him  the  enemy  of  virtue,  and  the  leader  of  rebel- 
lion against  the  divine  authority.     A  man  of  ambition  and 
intrigue  may  rule  an  empire,  and  carry  his  own  spirit  into 
the  counsels  of  the  remotest  provinces.     The  number,  more- 
over, of  fallen  angels  is  great.     Their  powers  are  superior  to 
those  of  the  human  mind,  their  experience   is  long,  and 
their  observation  extensive.     Intent  upon  wickedness,  and 
unwearied  in  industry,  they  have  for  nearly  six  thousand 
years  studied  the  course  of  Providence,  and  the  laws  of  the 
physical   and    moral  world.      Engaged    in    a    conspiracy 
against  virtue,  what  injury  must  they  not  now  be  capable 
of  doing  to  the  spiritual  interests  of  mortals?     They  are 
also  able  to  make  repeated  visits  of  but  short  intermissions 
to  the  quarter  in  which  their  malicious  views  may  be  pro- 


GEOWTII   EST    GRACE.  287 

moted.  Matter,  tliongli  naturally  inert,  travels,  when 
impelled  by  sufficient  force,  with  astonishing  velocity.  A 
ray  of  light,  or  an  electric  spark,  moves  with  a  rapidity 
which  would  soon  make  tlie  circuit  of  the  globe.  The 
activity  of  spirit  is  confessed.  When  from  an  eminence  we 
take  a  view  of  an  extended  plain,  several  miles  before  us, 
we  give  millions  of  diiferent  inclinations  to  the  optic  axis 
in  the  course  of  a  moment  of  time,  and  a  distinct  act  of  the 
will  is  necessary  to  each  inclination.  Neither  consciousness 
nor  recollection  serve  in  contemplating  these  actions ; 
because  such  a  minute  exercise  of  these  powers  would  only 
embarrass,  and  in  no  case  answer  the  purposes  of  present 
usefulness  or  comfort.  These  things  are  taught  by  philo- 
sophy, and  serve  to  defend  against  sophistry,  the  Christian 
doctrine  in  admitting  the  possibility  of  the  agency  of  evil 
spirits  on  the  human  mind." 

The  Jifth  of  these  discourses  is  designated 

THE   SIEANS   OF   GROWTH   IN   GRACE. 

The  text  is,  2  Peter,  iii.  18 — "  Grow  in  grace." 

The  administration  of  the  economy  of  the  universe  i)ro- 
ceeds  upon  a  system  of  means.  It  would  be  difficult,  inde- 
pendently of  a  system  of  means,  to  distinguish  counsel, 
wisdom,  or  design,  or  any  other  attribute  than  power,  in  the 
divine  arrangements,  if  arrangements  they  could  be 
called,  without  an  abuse  of  language.  But  it  is  useless  to 
try  to  establish  by  argument  a  truth  so  axiomatic. 

Our  author  consider  "  the  means  of  grace,"  as  being 
threefold :  Divine  ordinances — rational  reflections — and  the 
Spirit's  influence.      Under  the  Jirst  of  these,   the  Doctor 


288  MEMOIK    OF   AiEXAJSTDER   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

enumerates  divine  revelation — the  sacraments— Cliristian 
conversation — prayers,  &c.,  &c. 

Under  the  second^  rational  reflections  on  our  sinful  nature 
and  actions — upon  the  providence  of  God  in  determining 
our  lot — upon  the  love  of  God  in  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord,  and 
upon  death  and  a  future  state  :  rational  reflection  on  all  of 
these  is  very  becoming  the  Christian  character. 

Under  the  third,  it  is  shown  how  the  influences  of  the 
Holy  Ghost  are  experienced  in  a  threefold  mode  of  opera- 
tion :  He  presents  proper  objects  to  the  mind ;  he  directs 
the  affections  of  the  heart  to  these  objects;  and  he  imparts 
strength  for  action  in  a  believing  view  of  them. 

The  following  passage,  from  the  lY2d  page,  is  particularly 
deserving  the  perusal  of  the  rational,  judicious  Christian. 

"  The  ordinances  of  religion  do  not  operate  with  mechan- 
ical force  in  promoting  our  spiritual  growth.  Human 
nature  is  rational ;  and  its  reformation  includes  the  exercise 
of  its  several  faculties.  The  entire  intellect  of  man  is  influ- 
enced by  piety.  All  the  active  powers  of  the  mind  are 
concerned.  The  whole  soul  is  the  subject  of  sanctification. 
The  whole  moral  constitution  must,  of  course,  be  put  in 
action ;  and  the  vital  principle  communicated  in  regen- 
eration by  the  spirit  of  adoption,  requires  to  be  cherished 
by  outward  ordinances  and  rational  reflections  under  the 
direction  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  until  we  come  to  the  measure 
of  perfect  men  in  Jesus  Christ.  The  inconsiderate  observ- 
ance of  outward  rites  profiteth  little.  We  are  required  to 
attend  to  our  ways  as  rational  creatures ;  and  we  have  the 
promise  of  Divine  aid  in  the  work.  Consider  what  I  say, 
and  the  Lord  give  you  understanding  in  all  things. — 
2  Tim.  ii.  7." 


ASSURANCE.  289 

The  sixth  discourse  respects  the  Assukajstce  of  a  Sayes-g 
Interest  in  Cheist.  To  the  believer,  this  is  a  most  inte- 
resting topic. 

The  text  is  from  1  John,  iii,  10. — "And  hereby  we  know 
that  we  are  of  the  truth,  and  shall  assure  our  hearts  before 
Him." 

Tlie  attainability  of  our  assurance  of  a  saving  interest  in 
the  Redeemer,  the  Doctor  establishes  ; 

1.  From  consciousness,  as  it  is  asserted  in  the  text,  "  we 
know,"  &C.' — ^The  exercise  of  gracious  affections  specified  in 
the  context — love  of  holiness — love  of  the  brethren — love  of 
God — sincerity,  &c. 

2.  From  other  passages  of  Scripture,  particularly  our 
Lord's  Sermon  on  the  Mount — ^The  poor  in  spirit — The 
mourners — ^The  meek — They  who  hunger  and  thirst  after 
righteousness — ^The  merciful — 'The  pure  in  heart,  &c. 
"  These  benedictions,"  remarks  our  author,  "  were  ^xo- 
nounced  by  the  Lord  of  Righteousness  ujDon  his  disci- 
ples :  the  beatitudes  belong  exclusively  to  actual  saints. 
To  them  only  could  he  say  with  truth,  '  rejoice,  and  be 
exceeding  glad ;  for  great  is  your  reward  in  heaven.  Ye 
ai-e  the  salt  of  the  earth.  Ye  are  the  light  of  the  world.' 
To  them,  of  course,  he  gives  assurance  of  everlasting  happi- 
ness. And  is  not  that  attainable  which  Christ  himself 
bestows." 

3.  From  the  absurdity  of  thg  contrary  opinion. — ^^Ye  like 
the  use  our  author  makes  here  of  the  word  "absurdity," 
although  it  is  rather  uncommon.  For,  verily,  whatever  is 
repugnant  to  the  ScrijDturcs  is  as  contradictory  to  truth  as 
if  it  were  opposed  to  the  nature  of  things.  Rut  the  Scrip- 
tures of  truth  which,  with   every  believer  are  axiomatic, 


290        MEMOm  OF  ALEXANDER  MCLEOD,  D.D. 

expressly  assert  that,  "  He  that  believetli  shall  be  saved." 
And  again,  "Believe  in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  thou 
shalt  be  saved,"  &c. 

4.  From  the  experience  of  the  saints. — Many  of  these 
could  say  with  the  Apostle,  "I  know  whom  I  have 
believed."     "  My  beloved  is  mine,  and  I  am  his." 

In  the  second  head,  the  Doctor  lays  down  some  princi- 
ples which  must  be  taken  for  granted,  and  are  implied  in 
all  accurate  examinations  of  our  own  religious  state,  viz. : 
Such  is  the  nature  of  true  godliness,  that  any  one  gracious 
exercise  is  conclusive  of  piety — there  is  a  great  variety  in 
Christian  attainments — God  effectually  calls  his  people  in 
very  diversified  circumstances — in  self-examination,  as  in 
all  other  religious  exercises,  the  aid  of  the  Holy  Ghost 
is  indispensably  necessary  to  a  happy  issue. 

On  the  third  of  the  particulars  just  enumerated,  viz. 
"God  effectually  calls  his  j^eople  in  very  diversified  cir- 
cumstances," in  its  reference  to  infants,  the  Doctor  reasons 
with  all  his  usual  acuteness  and  force.  How  comforting,  to 
the  believer  in  Christ  Jesus,  must  be  the  hope  of  the  eternal 
felicity  of  his  dying  infant !  While  mourning  for  his  dear 
little  babes  removed  in  infancy,  he  is  not  called  to  mourn 
as  those  that  have  no  hope.  On  this  subject,  the  following 
foot-note  will  be  an  acceptable  treat  to  the  reader.  To  this 
is  prefixed  a  portion  of  the  text,  pages  229-231. 

"  The  words  of  our  Eedeemer  seem  to  convey  tbis  idea ; 
and  considered  in  connection  witb  his  action  at  the  time, 
gives  us  reason  to  conclude  that,  as  our  infant  children  are 
placed  by  Divine  goodness  along  with  ourselves  in  the  visi- 
ble church,  so,  too,  unless  it  shall  actually  appear  that  they 
liave,  by  their  personal  misconduct,  cast  themselves  out, 
thev  shall    enter    into    the    celestial   enjoyments   of   that 


RELIGION   OF   INFANTS.  291 

kingdom  of  the  God  of  lieaven,  which  is  visibly  dispensed 
by  an  outward  economy  to  his  people  while  yet  on  earth." 
Tliese  sentiments  are  worthy  of  all  acceptance ;  and  are 
further  ilhistrated  in  the  foot-note.  "  By  this  hope  alone," 
says  our  author,  "  we  can  satisfactorily  account  for,  or 
explain  the  problem,  2  Sam.  xii.  15,  23. — David  seemed 
inconsolable  while  his  beloved  child  lay  under  the  agonies 
of  a  mortal  disease  ;  but  so  soon  as  he  was  informed  of  the 
death  of  his  infant,  he  arose  from  the  earth,  '  washed  and 
anointed  himself,  came  into  the  house  of  God,  and  wor- 
shiped ;  then  he  came  into  his  own  house,  and  he  did  eat.' 
His  conduct  apj)eared  inexplicable  to  his  domestics ;  but  he 
himself  explains  the  principles  upon  which  he  acted.  He 
said,  '  while  the  child  was  yet  alive,  I  fasted  and  wept ; 
for,  I  said,  who  can  tell,  whether  the  Lord  will  be 
gracious  to  me,  that  the  child  may  live  ?  But  now  he 
is  dead,  wherefore  should  I  fast  ?  Can  I  bring  him  back 
again?  I  shall  go  to  him,  but  he  shall  not  return  to 
me.'  " 

The  prophet  David  knew  well  that  there  is  no  knowledge 
in  the  grave.  He  was  one  of  those  who  by  faith  obtained 
the  promise  of  the  resurrection,  and  desired  to  see  the 
heavenly  country.  To  him  it  could  be  no  consolation  to  go 
down  with  his  child  to  perpetual  oblivion.  To  the  heavenly 
city  he  was  himself  going,  and  where,  by  faith,  he  expected 
to  be,  there  he  expected  to  meet  his  infant  offspring.  I 
SHALL  GO  TO  iTDr.  The  pious  parent  had  assurance  of  his 
own  salvation,  and  he  is  confident  also  of  the  safety  of  his 
departed  child.  How  different  from  this  was  his  conduct, 
how  vastly  different  his  expressions,  at  the  death  of  another 
son,  the  profane  Absalom  ?  2  Sam,  xviii.  23.  "  And  the 
king  was  much  moved,  and  wept.     Thus  he  said,  O  my  son 


292  MEMOIR   OF   AI^EXANDER   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

Absalom !    my  sou,  my  son  Absalom !  would  God  I  bad 
died  for  tbee.     O  Absalom,  my  son,  my  son  ! " 

The  salvation  of  bis  child  was  not  revealed  to  David  by 
any  private  revelation.  All  pious  2^<^('rents  have  reason  to 
lelieve,  that  their  children  dying  in  infancy^  shall  he  saved 
in  Jesus  Christ.  That  you  may  have  such  confidence, 
discard,  1.  Prejudices. — It  is  not  any  virtue  in  your  own 
desires  ;  it  is  not  any  merit  in  your  prayers ;  it  is  not  any 
efiicacy  of  baptism,  that  gives  a  right  to  this  confidence. 

2.  Reject  false  reasonings,  that  are  employed  to  allay 
parental  grief.  It  is  not  their  personal  innocency  that  can 
save  their  souls.  If  this  cannot  save  the  infant  from  per- 
verseness,  from  pain  and  from  death,  it  cannot  save  from 
future  misery.  Besides,  if  they  are  not  guilty  before  God, 
there  is  no  reason  for  their  having  any  part  in  the  atone- 
ment made  by  Jesus  Christ.  "  The  whole  have  no  need  of 
the  physician." 

3.  Reject  inconclusive  probabilities. — ^They  do  not  war- 
rant our  fiiith  and  our  hoj)e.  That  all  who  die  in 
infancy  shall  be  happy  in  heaven,  is  nowhere  declared  in 
revelation.  Granting  that  all  are  judged  according  to  their 
works — that  children  have  done  no  injury  in  this  world — 
that  the  number  of  the  saved  will  be  greatly  increased  by 
iiicluding  all  infants ;  still  this  is  only  rEor-ABiLiTV,  and 
our  knowledge  is  too  superficial  to  warrant  any  positive 
conclusion.     Revelation  is  our  only  guide. 

Christian  ho23e  rests  only  on  Christ  Himself ;  and  in  the 
revelation  of  the  Covenant  of  Grace,  we  have  the  only 
ground  of  faith  and  confidence.  This  is,  in  the  present  case, 
the  ground  of  the  pious  parent's  confidence.  To  the 
impious  there  is  no  hope. 

The   promise   secures  the   salvation  of  the   offspring   of 


CHILDREN    OF   BELIE-S^EES.  293 

belie vei-s  dying  in  infancy.  My  argument  is  tliis :  A 
general  promise  covers  all  cases  which  are  not.excej^ted  by 
him  who  promised  ;  and  where  there  is  no  exception,  there 
is  ground  of  ftiith.  But  the  promise  of  God  is  eternal  life 
in  Jesus  Christ;  and  there  is  no  exception,  not  one,  in 
relation  to  those  children  of  believers,  who  die  in  infancy. 
Ileb.  ix.  15.  Christ  suffered,  "that  they  who  are  called 
might  receive  the  promise  of  eternal  inheritance."  This 
very  promise,  Acts,  ii.  39,  is  unto  you,  and  unto  your 
CHiLDKEN.  It  is  uot  to  thc  Jcws  Only,  but  also  to  as  many 
as  are  called ;  and  these  being  called,  it  is,  of  course,  unto 
their  children.  To  the  operation  of  the  promise,  there  is 
no  possible  exception,  but  an  unbelieving  rejection  of  it. 
Those  professors,  who  die  in  unbelief,  are  not  interested  in 
it.  But  the  children  of  believers,  who  do  not  live  to  reject 
the  promise  by  unbelief,  are  included  in  its  blessings.  I 
have,  therefore,  the  same  ground,  the  self-same  foundation, 
to  believe  in  the  salvation  of  my  children  who  have  not 
rejected  the  Covenant  of  Grace,  as  to  believe  in  my  own 
salvation,  who  have  embraced  that  Covenant.  I  have  the 
same  promise  in  both  cases.  It  is  first  to  me,  and  then  to 
my  children  ;  and  I  know,  if  any  of  my  children  are  not, 
in  fact,  in  the  Covenant  of  Grace,  they  will  not  leave  this 
world  until  they  have  in  their  own  souls,  rejected  the 
promise,  and  put  themselves  among  those  who  are  excepted 

by  the  promisor,  from  the  l)lessing.     The  wisdom  of  God 

the  constitution  of  the  church — tlie  hopes  of  the  saints the 

general  scope  of  Scripture  confirm  this  exposition  of  God's 
promise. 

Of  the  four  remaining  discourses,  however  excellent 

and  excellent,  verily,  they  are— only  the  titles  can  be  here 
inserted.     These  are— YII.  Tue  Evidences  of  Tkue  Reu- 


294  MEMOIK   OF   ALEXANDER   Mc  LEOD,    D.D. 

GioN  IN  Man.  YIII.  The  Duty  of  those  who  have  not 
AssuKANCE.  IX.  The  Consolations  of  True  Eeligion  ;  and 
X.  The  Stability  and  Perfection  of  True  Keligion  in 
Man. 

From  tlie  specimen  given,  tlie  reader  may  judge  of  tlie 
rest,  Ex  ungue  leonem.  It  is  confidentlv  believed  that  the 
author's  true  character,  as  a  profound  divine  and  an  expe- 
rienced Christian,  is  more  fully  delineated  in  the  volume  on 
The  Life  and  Power  of  Godliness  than  in  any,  or  even  all, 
of  his  other  mimerous  discussions.  He  felt  and  exemplified 
in  his  own  life,  the  gracious  and  devout  affections,  which 
hreathe,  so  fragrantly,  through  every  page.  This  volume  is 
a  mirror  of  his  life. 

It  has  been  already  observed,  that  it  was  astonishing,  con- 
sidering the  delicate  state  of  Doctor  McLeod's  health,  and 
the  multifarious  duties,  official  and  domestic,  which 
devolved  upon  him,  how  he  could  find  time  and  oppor- 
tunity for  such  a  liberal  use  of  his  pen.  His  travelling  to 
attend  on  the  judicatories  of  the  church,  to  supply  vacan- 
cies, and  assist  on  occasions  of  sacramental  communion, 
among  our  widely-scattered  connections,  on  some  seasons, 
occupied  a  very  considerable  portion  of  his  time :  yet  there 
are  found,  on  the  next  season,  no  less  than  six  different 
reviews  and  essays  in  the  Evangelical  Guardlust  and 
Review,  a  very  respectable  journal  ]3ublished  by  an  asso- 
ciation of  clergymen  in  ISTew  York :  and  in  the  volume 
of  the  succeeding  year,  1S18,  seven  pieces,  requiring  deep 
thought,  extensive  reading,  and  careful  investigation.  The 
writer  of  this  memoir  is  authorized  to  make  the  above 
statement  of  the  authorship  of  these  literary  productions,  by 
the  Rev.  Dr.  Rowan,  already  mentioned,  who  was  one  of 
the  editors  of  said  periodical,  and  acquainted  with  the  fact. 


DK.    MCLEOD   A   KEVIEWEE.  295 

"  Nkw  Youk,  September  lOlli,  1833. 
"  Rey.  Doctor  Wylie, 

'■''Dear  Sir: — ObseiYing  from  the  Minutes 
of  Your  Synod,  that  you  haYe  the  honor  of  an  appointment 
from  that  body,  to  prepare  a  memoir  of  my  lately  deceased, 
but  greatly  esteemed  friend,  Dr.  McLeod,  I  feel  it,  at  once, 
a  duty  and  a  privilege  to  inform  you,  as,  perhaps,  the  only 
depository  of  the  fact — that  Dr.  McLeod  was  one  of  the 
projectors  of,  and  one  of  the  most  liberal  contributors  to, 
the  '  Evangelical  Guardian  and  Eeview,'  published  in  this 
city,  1817,  1818.     He  wrote  the  following  able  articles,  viz. 

VOL.    I. 

".I.  Pp.  32-44.  Remew.—'  On  the  Doctrine  of  Election. 
A  sermon  preached  by  Gardiner  Spring,  D.D.,  Pastor  of 
the  brick  Presbyterian  Church,  in  the  city  of  jSTew  York, 
]S"oYember,  1816.' 

"II.  1st.  Pp.  72-85.  Revieio.—'K  brief  view  of  facts 
which  gave  rise  to  the  Kew  York  Evangelical  Missionary 
Society  of  Young  Men,  Y'ith  the  constitutions.  2d.  History 
of  the  Young  Men's  Missionary  Society  of  New  York,  con- 
taining a  correct  account  of  the  recent  controversy, 
respecting  Hopkinsian  doctrines.' 

"HI.  Pp.  113-110,  continued  169-177,  continued  2G7- 
280.  Eeview. — '  An  Address  delivered  before  the  Auxiliary 
New  York  Bible  and  Common  Prayer  Book  Society,  in  St. 
Paul's  Chapel,  in  the  city  of  New  York,  by  Thomas  Y. 
How,  D.D.,  Assistant  Eector  of  Trinity  Church.' 

"lY.  Pp.  155-162.  Essay.— 'Hhii  Divinity  of  the 
Saviour  proved,  from  the  nature  of  the  Mediatorial  office.' 

"  Y.     Pp.  213-217.     lievlew. — '  A  series  of  discourses  on 


296  MEMOIR   OF   ALEXAISTDER   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

tlie  Christian  Revelation,  viewed  in  connection  witli  tbe 
Modern  Astronomy,  by  Thomas  Chahners,  D.D.,  Minister 
of  the  Zion  Church,  Ghasgow.' 

"  YI.  Pp.  350-364.  Bemeio. — '  Letters  concerning  the 
plan  of  salvation,  as  delivered  from  the  Scri23tures : 
addressed  to  the  members  of  the  Presbyterian  Church, 
Spring  street,  New  York,  by  Matthew  La  Eue  Perrine, 
A.M.,  Pastor  of  the  said  Church,  ]^ew  York.' 

"vol.  n. 

"  YIIL  Pp.  18-22.  Review. — 1st.  '  A  sermon  delivered  in 
Zion  Church,  Glasgow,  on  "Wednesday,  ISTovember  19,  1817, 
the  day  of  the  funeral  of  her  royal  highness,  the  Princess 
Charlotte  of  Wales,  by  the  Pev.  Thomas  Chalmers,  D.D. 
2d.  A  sermon  preached  before  the  Society  in  Scotland,  for 
propagating  Christian  knowledge,  at  their  annual  meeting, 
in  the  High  Church  of  Edinburgh,  on  Thursday,  June  2d, 
1814,  by  the  Rev.  Thomas  Chalmers,  D.D.,  then  Minister  of 
Kilmany,  now  Minister  of  the  Zion  Church,  Glasgow.' 

"  The  above  articles  were  written  by  Dr.  McLeod.  There 
were  others,  I  think,  but  not  being  sure,  would  be  silent. 
You  are  at  liberty  to  make  any  use  of  these  reminiscences 
you  think  proper. 

"  Yery  affectionately, 

"  Stepuen  ]^.  Rowan." 

With  a  pencil,  by  another  hand,  immediately  below  the 
signature  of  Dr.  Rowan,  is  found  the  following  note  : 

"  Add  to  the  above  all  the  articles  in  the  second  volume 
signed  ^•" 


DR.    MC  LEOD   AN   ESSAYIST.  207 

Wlieu  tills  note  is  compared  with  an  editorial  request  in. 
page  574  of  the  first  volume,  tliere  can  remain  no  doubt 
that  all  the  articles  with  this  signature,  issued  from  the  pen 
of  Dr.  McLcod : 

Editorial  Bequest. — ^"It  is  requested  that  every  writer 
would  assume  a  signature  for  himself,  by  which  his  commu- 
nication may  l)e  distinguished." 

Now  Dr.  Rowan  certifies  the.  last  communication,  viz. 
Ko.  7,  vol.  ii.,  to  \)Q  one  of  Dr.  McLeod's ;  which  same  one 
is  distinguished  by  the  signature,  )2. 

VIII.  Pp.  15G-158.  Essay.—  "  The  Scriptures  the  Su- 
preme Judge  of  Religious  Controversy,"  continued  from 
158,  and  occupying  from  200-204. 

IX.  Pp.  253-2G1,  continued  289-296.  Esse(y.—''BvM 
Statement  of  the  Evidences  and  Uses  of  Divine  Revelation." 

X.  Pp.  409-415.  Essay. — "  Man  a  Religious  as  well  as 
a  Rational  Creature,"  continued  from  433-439. 

Several  of  these  essaj^s  and  reviews  are  upon  the  grand 
points  of  controversy  which  agitated  the  Christian  public, 
since  the  commencement  of  the  ]3resent  century.  The  topics 
are  of  the  utmost  importance.  In  the  shape  of  review, 
systematic  discussion  is  not  always  to  be  expected.  The 
reviewer's  course  is  generally  shaped  out  by  that  of  the 
reviewed,  however  devious  it  may  be.  In  original  essays, 
we  have  the  author's  own  plan.  One  of  these  shall  be 
selected,  on  w^hich  to  make  some  remarks.  We  recommend 
all  the  reviews  and  essays  to  the  perusal  of  the  reader, 
should  they  fall  into  his  hands.  They  are  replete  with  the 
Doctor's  usual  good  sense  and  critical  acumen. 

The  last  of  these  Essays  is  selected  for  a  brief  analysis  in 

20 


298  MEMOIR    OF   ALEXANDER   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

this  memoir,  as  sliedding  a  stream  of  light  on  a  subject  of 
importance  both  in  metaphysics  and  theology;  and  espe- 
cially, as  it  embodies  in  its  discussion  the  sentiments  and 
views  of  one  of  the  first  metaphysicians  of  the  age,  on  a 
topic  abstruse  and  controvertible. 
The  title  of  the  essay,  page  409,  is,  Man  is  a  Eeligious 

AS   WELL    AS   A  RATIONAL  BeLISTG. 

We  have  long  entertained  the  opinion,  that  had  there 
been  no  such  thing  as  natural  religion,  there  could  have 
been  nothing  in  man  on  which  to  graft  revelation.  Although 
we  never  like  the  expression,  a  "  a  sense  of  deity,"  yet,  as 
those  who  employed  it  generally  meant  no  more  by  it  than 
the  moral  sense  or  conscience,  we  have  viewed  the  phrase 
merely  in  the  light  of  a  verbal  inaccuracy. 

It  would  be  a  strange  singularity  in  the  constitution  of 
man,  had  his  maker  so  framed  him,  that  he  could,  by  the 
exercise  of  the  faculties  bestowed  upon  him,  ascertain  almost 
everything  else  but  that  which  is  comparatively  the  only 
thing  in  the  universe  worthy  of  being  known ;  and  that 
which,  of  all  things  existent,  is,  to  him,  the  most  interesting 
to  be  known — the  existence  of  God  and  his  relation  to  him  as 
Creator !  What !  capable,  by  the  mere  dint  of  mental  exer- 
tion, of  coming  to  such  results  as  those  of  a  l^ewton,  in 
astronomy  and  optics — of  La  Place,  in  the  constitution  of 
the  universe,  of  a  Locke,  a  Reid,  a  Stewart,  or  a  Brown, 
in  tracing  the  phenomena  of  mind  through  their  latent 
sinuosities — of  a  Lavoisier,  a  Bertollet,  or  a  Davies,  torturing 
nature,  and  compelling  her,  on  the  rack,  to  reveal  her  aston- 
ishing secrets !  What !  did  the  author  of  our  being  consti- 
tute us  cai)able  of  knowing,  by  the  exercise  of  our  mental 
powers,  something  about  everything  but  Himself,  in  whom 
we  live  and  move ;  and  to  whom  we  owe  the  most  profound 


MAN,    A   EELIGIOUS   BEING.  299 

homage  ?  But  this  argument,  it  must  be  admitted,  is  only 
of  the  a  lyriori  description.  Lot  the  subject,  then,  be  pre- 
sented in  a  different  form. 

Let  this  question  be  proposed ;  does  man  naturally  owe 
homage  to  his  creator?  In  other  words,  is  he  naturally 
accountable  ?  The  negative,  on  this  question,  would  be 
impious.  The  positive,  therefore,  shall  be  taken  for  granted. 
Let  it  again  be  proposed,  to  leave  the  inquiry  unembar- 
rassed by  an  anticipated  objection — would  he  have  owed 
this  homage  without,  or  previously  to,  any  supernatural  reve- 
lation? If  he  did  owe  it,  previously  to,  or  without  any  super- 
natural revelation,  then,  it  must  have  been  suggested  by  his 
constitution.  This  is  all  that  is  asked.  But  if,  on  the 
other  hand,  he  did  not  owe  any  homage  to  God,  indepen- 
dently of  a  revelation,  he  could  not  have  sinned.  lie  was 
under  no  law,  consequently  could  be  guilty  of  no  trans- 
gression. 

Another  question  may  be  proposed — Has  man  naturally 
any  sense  of  right  and  wrong?  In  other  words,  has  he 
any  moral  sense,  or  conscience  ?  The  Apostle  Paul,  in  the 
second  chapter  of  the  Epistle  to  the  Romans,  answers  for  us 
this  question.  "  The  Gentiles,  which  have  not  the  law,  do  by 
nature,  the  things  contained  in  the  law;  these  having  not 
the  law,  are  a  law  unto  themselves,  their  consciences  bear- 
ing witness."  'Now,  there  can  bo  no  conception  of  any 
fimctioTb  of  conscience  being  discharged  without  reference 
to  law:  but  the  very  idea  of  law  supposes  a  legislator 
having  authority  to  enact  the  rule  of  action,  and  annex  the 
penalty.  This  legislator  must  be  the  author  of  our  exist- 
ence. Should  this  be  denied,  the  law  then  must  arise  out 
of  the  constitution  of  society.  But  then,  another  question 
occurs — where  did  society  find  the  prototype  of  this  law? 


300  MEMOIR   OF   ALEXANDER   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

Certainly  in  its  own  elements — in  tlie  constitutions  of  the 
individuals  composing  it. 

But,  to  proceed  to  tlie  analysis  of  this  essay.  The 
Doctor,  after  some  preparatory  remarks,  in  which  he  testi- 
fies that  he  was  aware  that  many  professing  Christians 
would  not  feel  such  an  immediate  interest  in  this  as  they 
would  be  disposed  to  do  in  some  of  his  other  discussions, 
thus  proposes  what  he  intended  to  prove : 

That  a  human  'being  must  have  some  iiotlons  of  God 
and  religion,  if  he  have  the  use  of  his  natxiral  powers, 
although  he  should  he  absolutely  destitute  of  sujpernatural 
revelation  on  the  suhject. 

The  Doctor  states  that  the  propagators  of  atheism  have 
generally  opposed  this  sentiment.  They  have  taught  that 
the  idea  of  a  Divinity  originated  among  crafty  politicians, 
or  knavish  priests.  But  it  is  with  Bible  believers  that  he 
reasons.  Some  of  them  deny  that  men  could  have  any 
notion  of  a  God,  without  a  supernatural  revelation.  He 
therefore  very  justly  feels  himself  authorized  to  use  argu- 
ments derived  from  Scripture.  He  establishes  his  point 
thus : — 

1.  An  infinitely  wise,  good,  and  powerful  God,  would 
make  man  ft  to  answer  the  end  He  had  assigned  him  in 
the  scale  of  existence.  But  the  great  cud  is  to  glorify 
God,  aiul  to  enjoy  Him.  Whether  fiiUen,  therefore,  or  not 
fallen,  man  must  be  capable  of  recognizing  the  existence 
of  God  and  liis  relation  to  Him,  as  creator  and  governor. 

2.  He  establishes  it  from  a  view  of  the  natural  powers 
of  the  human  mind.  The  understanding,  in  tracing  the 
connection  of  cause  and  efiect,  must  laud  ultimately  in  a 
first  cause — God.  Conscience  also,  or  the  moral  sense,  must 
lead  to  the  same  result.     After  some  excellent  reasoning, 


CONSCIENCE.  301 

tlie  Doctor  speaks  thus,  concerning  conscience.  "  If 
such  a  faculty  exist,  it  must  be  natural  or  acquired ; 
and  even  the  possibility  of  making  the  acquisition,  implies 
that  the  human  mind  is  so  constituted  by  its  author,  as 
necessarily  to  acquire  the  faculty  of  conscience,  or  to  leave 
unexercised  one  of  the  most  eminent  and  excellent  powers 
of  the  soul."' — "  Again,  every  sentiment  of  approbation  or 
disapprobation,  refers  to  the  will  of  a  su2:)erior,  as  the 
standard  wliich  I  am  bound  to  adopt. — ^Thus  it  can  be  said 
of  truth,  that  God  alone  is  Lord  of  the  conscience." 

3.  Argument  is  taken  from  the  universality  of  the  senti- 
ment. There  is  no  absolutely  conclusive  evidence  that 
there  ever  existed  a  real  atheist' — 'an  individual  wlio  was 
absolutely  convinced  that  there  was  no  God. 

4.  It  ajDpears  from  Scripture  revelation,  that  man  may, 
by  the  exercise  of  liis  natural  powers,  know  that  there 
is  a  God.  This  he  establishes  from  three  quotations, — 
(1)  Ps.  xix.  1-4 :  An  appeal  to  the  visible  heavens.  (2) 
Kom.  i.  19-20:  When  speaking  of  the  heathen,  "Because 
that  which  may  be  known  of  God,  is  manifest  in  them," 
&c.  (3)  Rom.  ii.  11—15 :  "  For  when  the  Gentiles  who 
have  not  the  law,"  *fec.  The  Doctor  explains  and  applies 
these  Scripture  declarations  in  such  a  manner  as  com- 
pletely to  substantiate  the  truth  in  this  question.  He  then 
proceeds  to  notice  some  of  the  objections  advanced  against 
this  sentiment. 

1.  There  are  atheists. — '*  Tlie  fool  hath  said  in  his  heart, 
there  is  no  God."  That  any  really  have  believed  so,  never 
Jais  been,  and  never  can  be  proved.  Some,  it  is  true,  have 
denied  the  existence  of  Deity.  "  They  did  not  like  to  retain 
God  in  their  knowledge,"  but  we  have  no  reason  to  believe 
that  any  man  in  his  senses  ever  believed  it. 


302  3tIEM0IE    OF   ALEXAISTDER   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

2.  "We  have  no  innate  iDrinciples  :  all  our  ideas  are  from 
sensation  and  reflection.  Arguments  for  tlie  existence  of 
natural  religion,  drawn  from  tlie  natnre  of  the  human  mind, 
are,  therefore,  invalid. 

This  position  the  Doctor  denies.     lie  admits  that  there 

are   no   innate    logical  propositions  or  judgments  in   the 

human  mind,  and   contends   that  this   is  all  that  Locke's 

premises  prove.     "  When,"  says  the  Doctor,  "  I   contend 

for  the  existence  of  innate  principles,  I  do  not  use  principle 

as  synonymous  with  a  logical  proposition.     A  child  does 

not  know  [innately]  that  a  whole  is  greater  than  any  of  its 

parts.     He  does  not  know  the  meaning  of  the  terms.     But 

t  I   his  mind  is  so  formed,  that  as  soon  as  he  is  capable  of  com- 

\  \  prehending  the  meaning  of  the  terms,  he  cannot  possibly 

\ !  withhold  his  assent  to  the  proposition,"  &c. 

3.  It  has  been  objected,  "  that  all  the  religious  ideas  of 
the  heathen  may  be  ultimately  referred  to  supernatural 
revelation."  Noah's  instructions  to  his  ofispring  were 
handed  down  and  disseminated  among  all  nations.  To 
this  the  Doctor  replies,  that  it  is  unreasonable  to  expect 
that  mere  memory,  by  tradition,  could  account  for  the 
universal  prevalence  of  the  belief  But,  if  religion  came 
by  tradition,  how  could  mankind  forget  the  capital  point, 
this  article  of  revelation' — the  necessity  of  a  Mediator, 
and  yet  retain  the  belief  so  terrible  to  sinners,  that  there 
is  a  God?  This  could  never  have  been  the  case,  if  the 
natural  powers  of  man  had  been  as  capable  of  discovering 
the  one  as  the  other.  How  do  men  so  universally  admit 
the  existence  of  God,  and  yet  comparatively  so  few  embrace 
the  doctrine  of  a  Mediator?  This  would  be  inexplicable, 
were  not  the  former  a  part  of  natural  religion,  and  the 
latter  derived  from  another  source. 


POINT   ESTABLISHED.  303 

4.  Objection. — "At  a  time  "wlien  deism  is  prevalent,  it 
is  more  safe  to  refer  all  religion  ultimately  to  revelation. 
Men  generally  believe  there  is  a  God.  This  is  granted 
by  infidels.  Show  them  that  this  has  proceeded  from 
revelation  only,  and  you  have  gained  your  point.  You 
have  honored  the  Bible,  and  demonstrated  its  authenticity." 
The  Doctor  replies : 

"  This  sentiment  may  be  the  error  of  a  pious  mind,  but 
evidently  not  of  a  shrewd  intellect,  unhampered  by  pre- 
judice, vigorously  exerting  itself  in  the  investigation  of 
truth."  There  really  does  not  appear  any  argument  at 
all  for  either  the  truth  or  the  falsehood  of  the  position. 
The  objection,  if  objection  it  can  be  called  does  not  even 
impugn  the  thesis.  It  is  a  mere  Jesuitical  subterfuge  of 
expediency.  Deny  or  suppress  the  truth,  if  so  doing  may 
subserve  the  purpose  of  converting  the  infidel.  Christians 
have  not  so  learned  Christ.  It  is  believed,  without  hesita- 
tion, that  the  Doctor  has  completely'"  established  this  interest- 
ing point,  and  fully  answered  all  the  objections  advanced. 

While  Dr.  McLeod  was  thus  diligently  engaged,  both 
from  the  pulpit  and  from  the  press,  in  promoting  the 
interests  of  Messiah's  kingdom,  the  section  of  the  church 
with  which  he  was  connected  was  rapidly  lengthening  her 
cords,  at  least,  if  not  proportionally  strengthening  her 
stakes.  Xew  settlements  were  made  in  the  ]^orth.  South, 
East,  and  West.  Dr.  McLeod,  who,  as  already  mentioned, 
had  been  released  from  his  pastoral  charge  in  the  city  of 
l!^ew  York,  when  now  Presbyterially  free,  and  at  perfect 
liberty  from  all  pastoral  obligation  to  that  congregation 
to  make  a  new  choice,  evidenced  that  the  objects  of  first 
attachment  still  continued  to  be  the  objects  of  his  last 
choice.     lie  remained  with  the  congregation. 


304         MEMOIK  OF  ALEX  A  y  DEE  MCLEOD,  D.D. 


ClixiPTER    XIII. 

1820. 

From  the  begmain.g  of  the  year  1818,  to  t'ae  close  of  the  year  1823'. 

During  the  interval  between  the  last  meeting  of  Synod  in 
Pittsburg,  and  the  meeting  in  Conococheagne,  little  remark- 
able occurred,  eitlier  in  the  personal  history  of  Dr.  McLeod, 
or  in  the  general  progress  of  our  ecclesiastical  concerns. 

Dr.  McLeod  still  continued  to  prosecute  with  unwearied 
assiduity,  both  his  pastoral  duties,  and  literary  and  scientific 
inquiries.  He  was  an  excellent  general  scholar.  On  some 
particular  branches,  he  had  few  equals.  In  mental  philo- 
sophy, he  ranked  very  high.  In  metaphysical  analysis  he 
stood  among  the  foremost.  Some  of  the  branches  of  the 
physical  sciences,  wdiich  were  not  much  attended  to  [unless 
by  such  as  designed  to  practise  the  healing  art],  at  the 
period  of  his  academical  career,  such  as  anatomy  and 
chemistry,  he  prosecuted  with  particular  care,  after  his 
settlement  in  the  city  of  JSTew  York.  In  company  with  some 
other  literary  gentlemen,  i:)rivate  classes  were  formed,  for 
such  investigations,  and  their  appropriate  studies  cultivated 
v^^ith  great  success.  Tlie  Doctor  was  characteristically 
modest  in  the  disj)lay  of  his  literary  acquirements;  but 
when  occasion  required,  he  showed  that  he  could  have  done 
honor  to  any  dej)artment  of  literature  to  which  his  superior 


GENERAL    SCHOLAKSHIP.  305 

mental  powers  might  have  been  directed.  But  the  office 
and  vocation  of  the  gospel  ministry  constituted  his  great 
delight — ^to  preach  "  Christ  Jesus  and  him  crucified." 
When,  through  bodily  indisposition,  he  was  unable  to 
officiate  in  public,  his  inability  to  be  at  his  post  grieved  him 
more  than  the  pressure  of  disease.  It  has  been  already 
remarked,  that  did  not  like  to  blazon  his  religious  experi- 
ences, or  proclaim  on  the  house-top  his  sweet  communion 
with  God;  yet,  on  such  an  occasion,  when  confined  by 
disease,  he  thus  once  wrote  his  friend.  "The  gospel  trumpet 
lies  by  my  side.  To  day  is  a  silent  Sabbath.  But  so  it 
pleases  the  master.  I  submit.  I  love  his  work.  I  love 
himself.     lie  knows  that  I  love  Him." 

As  a  friend,  his  heart  overflowed  with  kindness.  The 
intercourse  of  friendship  was,  to  him,  a  feast.  The  society 
of  his  friends  he  anxiously  desired  and  cultivated ;  and  his 
house  was  the  seat  of  hospitality  and  kindness.  He  thus 
addresses  his  friend  in  Philadelphia  : 

"New  YoiiK,  July  6/7/.  1820. 

"  Rev.  and  Deae  Beothee  : — • 

"  I  write  you  this  note,  for  twenty  reasons ;  some 
of  these,  I  will  specify.  1.  I  wish  you  to  spend  the  month 
of  August  witli  me ;  and,  if  you  do  not  bring  the  whole 
family,  bring,  at  any  rate,  Theoj)hilus.  Here  at  Greenwich, 
I  live  in  a  lodge,  or  rather  a  shealing.  I  have  a  horse,  a 
chaise,  an  Irish  jaunting-car,  three  fine  boys,  all  fond  of 
riding,  and  Theophilus  will  be  a  holy  day  unto  them,  "WTien 
you  and  I  are  at  rest,  they  can  all  be  jaunting.  2.  You 
have  promised  to  visit  me  in  August,  and  I  really  do  not 
wish  you  to  break  the  moral  law.  It  is  good  for  a  man  to 
keep  his  word.     Mutual  confidence  depends  upon  it,     I  put 


306  MEMOIR   OF   ALEXANDER   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

yon  in  remembrance.     3.  Tliere  are  liundreds  here.  *  *  * 
4.  I  wonld  have  my  personal  interest,  my  domestic  enjoy- 
ments, my  social  comfort,  &c.    *     ^     *     greatly  promoted, 
by  a  visit  long,  as  it  is  seldom  conferred  npon  me  by  you. 
5^    *  i<r  *  *  ^:-^     g_  *  *  -;f  -:f  *     j  gj^^jj  ^-^^^  ^^^^  re])eat  all 

the  other  fourteen  arguments,  which  I  have  stated  to  my 
own  mind.     You  can  yourself,  supply  the  omission. 

*  -Jf-       ^-       -St       -Jf       * 

"  A.  McL." 

This  a  long  letter,  much  of  it  too  kind,  &c.  to  meet  the 
public  eye.  The  specimen  given  serves  as  a  further  deve- 
lopment of  character,  and  "furnishes  a  sample  of  that 
peculiar  glow  of  friendship  which  had,  miscathed,  withstood 
the  chilling  blasts  of  a  quarter  century.  In  friendship,  his 
professions  always  fell  short  of  the  reality.  This  was 
evidenced  whenever  opportunity  offered. 

On  the  lYth  of  November  following,  the  Doctor  had  an 
addition  made  to  his  family,  by  the  birth  of  a  son.  On  the 
20th  he  thus  writes  his  friend.  "Should  you  think  of 
seeing  New  York,  at  old  Christmas  times,  you  will  do  me 
a  favor  in  baptizing  my  little  boy,  if  the  Lord  should  spare 
him  to  me  so  long.  Tie  and  his  mother  are  in  good  case." 
The  Lord  had  visited  him  with  many  bereavements  in  his 
family  and  connections.  He  had  much  ex23erience  in  the 
school  of  affliction. 

In  the  month  of  August,  1821,  the  Doctor  thus  writes 
respecting  the  intended  union  between  his  sister-in-law. 
Miss  Jane  Agnew,  and  the  Rev.  Samuel  "W.  Crawford. 

"  New  York,  Aug.   17,  182L 

*  *  *  "  "  To  accommodate  Mr.  Crawford  and 
his  intended,  I  remain  a  week  and  a  day  longer  in  New 


WITNESS   BEAEIInG.  307 

York,  than  I  intended,  or  tlian  indeed  is  convenient.  Yon 
are  already  advised  that  Angust  2Stli  is  the  time  appointed 
for  the  union  of  our  young  friends,  and  it  is  presumable 
that  you  will  then  show  your  countenance.  It  might  more- 
over be  expected,  in  other  cases,  that  being  in  'New  York, 
you  might  be  prevailed  upon  to  pass  one  Sabbath  among 
Christian  brethren. 

"  The  Lord's  day  prior  to  the  2Sth,  I  would  desire  to 
enjoy  your  ministerial  communion;  and  the  subsequent  Sab- 
bath, during  my  absence,  you  would  be  doubly  acceptable 
to  my  people,  were  you  to  officiate  in  my  pulpit ;  under 
these  circumstances,  I  venture  not  to  advise.  I  will  be 
gratified  either  way ;  but  certainly  I  would  prefer  a  visit 
from  Dr.  Wylie  early  the  following  week,  because  in  that 
case  I  could  enjoy  its  benefits  somewhat  longer.  My 
Maker  knows  how  sincerely  and  how  constantly  I  have 
desired  to  enjoy  such  fraternal  intercourse,  and  many 
know  how  much  in  vain  have  been  my  endeavors. 
"  Yours  with  esteem  and  afi:ection, 

«A.  McL." 

It  is  well  known  that  at  an  early  period  of  our  history,  in 
these  United  States,  the  various  articles  of  witness-bearing, 
supi^osed  to  be  comprised  in  the  argumentative  part  of  the 
Testimony,  had  been  assigned  to  the  difierent  ministers  then 
belonging  to  our  Synod.  Among  the  things  called  up  and 
inquired  after  at  every  subsequent  meeting,  this  was  07ie, 
viz. — Whether  the  essays  on  these  difi'erent  subjects  had 
been  prepared,  and  were  now  ready  to  be  presented  to 
Court.  The  question  had  been  almost  uniformly  answered 
in  the  negative.  It  had  been  no  easy  matter  to  undertake 
and  execute  an  [argumentative  discussion  on  these  various 


308 


MEMOIR  OF  ALEXANDER  MCLEOD,  D.D. 


topics  of  deep  interest,  and  much  greater  diflficnlty  than 
most  of  tlie  undertakers  had  at  all  anticipated.  But  a  little 
experience  satisfied  the  most  intractable,  that  it  is  much 
easier  to  undertake  than  to  execute,  ^nd  now,  tlianks  to 
an  overruling  Providence,  that  these  essays  were  not 
executed  and  published  as  a  part  of  our  church's  Testi- 
mony! The  undertaking  did  honor  to  the  zeal,  and  the 
intentional  fidelity  of  our  supreme  judicatory.  But  it  was 
premature.  What  a  profundity  of  judgment,  length  of 
time,  opportunity  of  information,  and  accumulation  of  expe- 
rience, must  such  a  work  have  necessarily  required ! 

At  the  next  meeting  of  Synod,  which  was  held  in  Phila- 
delphia, 17th  October,  1821,  as  usual,  the  essays  were  called 
for,  and  answers  similar  to  those  on  former  occasions,  were 
returned.  The  Synod  agreed,  "That  all  the  documents  and 
papers  in  the  Synod's  possession  on  this  subject,  be  put  into 
the  hands  of  a  committee  of  two  members,  who  shall  if 
possible  be  prepared  to  report  at  next  meeting  of  Synod." 
The  moderator  then  named  Drs.  McLeod  and  Wylie,  as 
that  committee.  On  putting  the  question  to  these  gentle- 
men, whether  they  would  accept  the  appointment,  they 
both  hesitated  for  the  present,  and  had  time  allowed  them 
for  consideration.  Doctor  Wylie  declined  altogether  and 
Doctor  McLeod's  sense  of  the  magnitude  and  difficulty  of 
the  task  may  be  inferred  from  the  following  extract  from 
the  minutes :  ^ 

"Doctor  McLeod  returns  thanks  to  the  moderator  for 
his  indulgence  in  regard  to  his  appointment  to  the  com- 
mittee for  completing  the  third  part  of  the  Testimony, 
and  now  respectfully  consents  to  serve  on  that  committee. 
He,  however,  requests  of  Synod,  that  all  the  pieces  already 


JUDICIOUS   LEGISLATION.  309 

prepared,  be  delivered  to  liim,  with  a  table  of  contents  to 
eacli  piece,  composed  by  its  author,  and  referring  to  the 
pages  of  his  own  manuscript.  And  that  the  other  members 
of  the  committee  be  directed  to  furnish  Doctor  McLeod 
a  schedule  of  the  subjects  proper  for  such  a  work,  speci- 
fying the  order  of  discussion,  and  the  ciassis  argumentorum 
under  each  topic.  In  such  case  Doctor  McLeod  consents 
to  write  out  the  whole  work  for  the  inspection  of  Synod,  at 
its  next  meeting.     The  Synod  accepted  these  terms." 

The  simple  fact  that,  at  the  next  meeting  of  Synod,  Dr. 
McLeod  gave  in  his  resignation  as  chairman  of  the  com- 
mittee on  this  subject,  testifies  the  difficulty  of  execution. 
It,  like  the  angle  of  distance,  seemed  to  increase  in  magni- 
tude, in  proportion  as  you  approach  the  object. 

At  this  meeting  of  Synod,  on  a  2:)etition  from  James 
Wilson,  of  Illinois,  respecting  the  necessity  of  Deacons 
to  the  complete  organization  of  the  Christian  church ;  as 
also  the  legality  of  sitting  on  Juries,  or  meeting  in  con- 
vention to  form  or  amend  State  Constitutions,  the  Court 
expressed  their  opinion,  "That  it  accords  with  the  princi- 
ples and  the  practice  of  this  church  to  ordain  congrega- 
tional deacons  so  soon  as  the  fiscal  concerns  of  any  church 
render  it  necessary :  and  that  no  connection  toith  the  laics, 
the  offices,  or  the  order  of  the  State,  is  jyrohibited  hy  the 
church,  except  %ohat  truly  involves  immorality.''^ 

It  should  be  remarked  here,  that  the  legislation  of  Synod, 
on  these  two  points,  was  prudent  and  judicious.  They 
were,  among  the  people,  points  of  especial  interest,  viz.  : 
the  necessity  of,  the  office  of  the  deacon  to  the  complete 
organization  of  the  church,  and  our  connection  with  the 
civil  relations   of  the   State.     These  were  both  very  dis- 


310         MEMOIK  OF  ALEXANDER  MCLEOD,  D.D. 

creetly  issued.  Both  tlie  necessity  and  tlie  manner  of 
ordination  of  the  deacon  have  been  warmly  contested 
in  our  church.  So,  also,  the  other  point  about  civil 
relations.  Time  for  reflection  and  deliberation  on  such 
matters  as  do  not  vitally  affect  the  interests  of  the 
church,  will,  most  likely,  terminate  in  an  amicable  adjust- 
ment of  differences,  or  lead  to  a  course  of  mutual  forbear- 
ance on  points  of  minor  importance,  as  it  is  impossible,  in 
our  present  imperfect  state,  that  all  can  see  things  in  the 
same  light. 

A  sense  of  duty,  arising  from  synodical  appointment, 
called  the  Doctor's  attention  to  the  preparation  of  the  third 
part  of  the  Testimony ;  yet  it  is  believed  that  this  attention 
led  only  to  a  fuller  conviction  of  the  impracticability  of  the 
task,  amidst  the  multifarious  duties  devolving  upon  him. 
He  was  willing  to  serve  the  church  to  the  utmost  of  his 
ability.  "  The  spirit  was  willing,  but  the  flesh  was  weak." 
On  January  28th,  1822,  he  thus  addresses  his  friend  in 
Philadelphia : 

"  Rev.  and  Deak  Sir  : 

"I  beg  leave  to  trespass  so  far  on  your  ground, 
as  to  put  you  in  mind  of  some  business  of  common  concern 
to  you  and  me — the  argumentative  part  of  the  Testimony  of 
our  church. 

"  As  a  member  of  committee,  you  are  expected  to  furnish 
some  aid  ;  and  had  you  not  been  a  member,  I  would  have 
asked  you  upon  other  grounds,  as  much  as  I  now  solicit 
from  you,  that  is,  a  mere  table  of  contents.  What  ought  to 
be  the  size  of  the  work  ?  what  the  number  of  its  parts  ?  and 
what  their  relative  pro^iortion  ?  together  with  the  several 
subjects  of  discussion  under  each  part,  are  the  inquiries  to 


THE   BAJ^QUET. 


311 


wliich  I  wish  you  to  attend,  and  furnisli  me,  as  soon  as  pos- 
sible, with  the  result.  It  will  not  cost  you  much  labor,  and 
to  me  it  will  be  of  great  importance.     I  claim  it  as  a  right." 

The  Doctor  proceeds  to  say,  "  I  ask  tliat  which  follows 
as  a  particular  favor — that  you  would  visit  Kew  York  in 
April.  The  seventh  day  of  that  month  is  Easter.  On  that 
day  you  can  be  in  ISTew  Tork,  without  a  sacrifice  of  half  the 
good  that  your  being  here  would  effect.  Brother,  am  I  not 
worth  one  visit  in  ten  years?  On  the  seventh  of  April 
we  will  appoint  the  sacrament,  if  you  say  you  will  come 
to  assist.  Connected  as  we  are,  there  should  be  not  only  a 
fraternity  of  feelings  and  of  actions,  but  there  should  be  a 
visible  and  frequent,  a  well-known  friendship,  and  exchange 
of  mutual  good  offices. 

"I  have  long  felt  a  desire  to  unbosom  myself;  I  have 
some  secrets  which  I  wish  to  reveal ;  but  when  shall  I  have 
the  opportunity  ?"  &.c. 

In  the  course  of  the  ensuing  summer.  Dr.  Wylie  had  the 
pleasure  of  visiting  his  friend,  at  his  own  house,  in  Xew 
York.  It  was  in  the  month  of  August.  Tliis  was  the  holi- 
day season,  and  during  these  vacations  only  could  he  be 
absent  from  Philadelphia.  The  interview  was  uninter- 
rupted by  any  other  visits.  It  was,  indeed,  a  delicious 
banquet.  Long  acquaintance,  congeniality  of  feeling, 
reciprocity  of  friendship  and  mutual  confidence,  while 
discussing  topics  of  interest,  and  unbosoming  hearts,  with- 
out reserve,  gave  a  peculiar  zest  to  the  feast.  "  <?,  ccencc 
noctesque  deorumP  The  very  recollection  of  such  oa^es- 
verdant  spots  in  the  desert  wilderness  arrays  around  it 
many  delightful  associations.  On  such  occasions,  who 
could  help  feeling  the  sentiments  of  the  Roman  bard  ? 

"Nil  ego  contulerim  jucundo  sanus  araico/' 


312         MEMOIR  OF  ALEXANDER  MCLEOD,  D.D. 

During  tliis  sliort  visit,  tlie  yellow  fever  broke  out  in 
New  York,  and  mortality  prevailed  to  a  considerable 
extent.  This  scourge  of  God  had  several  times  visited, 
with  awful  ravages,  the  Atlantic  cities  of  the  United  States. 
The  alarm  spread  rapidly  from  city  to  city,  and  precautions 
of  quarantine  had  frequently  been  resorted  to,  to  arrest 
the  progress  of  this  dreadful  visitation.  The  Philadelphians 
had  resorted  to  this  expedient  on  the  very  day  Dr.  Wylie 
left  New  York,  on  his  return  home.  The  steamboat 
approached  the  wharf,  foot  of  Chesnut  street,  put  on 
shore  such  passengers  as  had  not  come  directly  from 
New  York  that  morning ;  then  wheeled  about  and  landed 
the  rest  at  Camden.  This  was  on.  Friday  afternoon. 
There  he  and  his  daughter,  who  accompanied  him,  had 
to  remain,  in  sight  of  home,  until  twelve  o'clock  on  Sab- 
bath, when  they  were  released.  To  an  account  of  this 
quarantine,  written  to  Dr.  McLeod,  he  thus  replies,  on  the 
2Sth  of  October  following: 

"  Rev.  and  Dear  Brother  : — 

"  If  you  were  treated  for  a  few  days  as  an 
alien,  in  sight  of  your  own  habitation,  I  have  been  as  a 
pilgrim  ever  since  we  separated.  Friday  last  I  returned 
to  Greenwich,  after  travelling  in  wet  and  cold,  in  moun- 
tains and  glens,  with  a  Wade-man  for  my  companion. 
Twice  Ave  broke  down  our  wagon  among  the  hills ;  four 
times  we  were  detained  in  repairing  it.  Our  hardships 
were  many  on  the  roads ;  and  of  fastings  we  were  not 
scanty.  Mamakating  and  Mambaacus,  Pachkatachtan  and 
Rapaakunk,  form  a  specimen  of  the  vocabulary  which  we 
had  to  learn  among  the  hills ;  while  the  tAvo  branches  of 
the  Delaware,  the   fords  of  the   more   formidable  streams 


DELICATE   UEALTH.  313 

of  the  Maunyoptunk  and  tlie  Willyweemack,  taught  113 
how  to  wade,  and  wash  our  broken  and  patched  vehicle 
and  axles.  We  had  the  pleasure,  however,  of  seeing  and 
being  seen  in  the  cities  of  Eden,  Nineveh,  Cairo,  Home, 
and  Monticello. 

"Having  assisted  at  Coldenham  sacrament,  I  travelled 
to  Kortriglit.  The  night  was  as  busily  occupied  as  the 
day.  My  companion  did  the  most  of  the  driving,  and 
I  the  most  of  the  preaching.  On  Thursday  night,  I  took 
the  steamboat  for  New  York.  '^'  *  *  On  Sabbath,  at 
noon,  the  session  met,  and  postponed  the  sacrament  which 
was  to  have  been  held  on  the  second  Sabbath  of  November, 
until  the  last  Sabbath  of  December.  To  the  postponement 
they  were  moved  by  the  discoiiragement  occasioned  by 
yellow  fever ;  and  to  the  appointment  of  the  Christmas 
holidays,  chiefly,  by  the  hope  of  your  assistance.  Having 
found  the  way  to  our  city,  we  wish  that  you  may  never 
forget  the  road  ;  and  in  the  season  referred  to,  you  cannot 
dread  quarantine.  I  scarcely  hope  that  you  will  acquiesce 
in  the  arrangement.  I  wish,  d^uring  the  remainder  of  my 
ministry,  to  establish  an  annual  exchange  of  sacramental 
services  between  the  two  cities." 

Dr.  McLeod's  health,  in  the  meantime,  was  rather  deli- 
cate. The  time  of  the  synodical  meeting  was  approachino-. 
Instead  of  taking  the  stage,  which,  in  those  days,  afforded 
nothing  but  discomfort,  fatigue,  and  exhaustion,  over  the 
rugged  and  precipitous  Allcghanics,  a  small  party  adopted 
another  mode  of  conveyance,  more  to  their  own  satisfaction. 
This  party  consisted  of  Messrs.  McLeod,  Crawford,  and 
Wylie,  with  some  youngsters  that  accompanied  them. 
This  mode  was  thought  likely  to  be  serviceable  to  the  Doc- 

21 


314:  MEMOm   OF   ALEX^JSTDEE  MCLEOD,    D.D. 

tor's  Ileal  til,  as  more  adapted  to  liis  taste,  and  affording  an 
opportunity  of  free  conversation.  The  Doctor,  on  tlie 
subject,  tlius  writes,  "  I  liave  bought  a  liorse  for  the  jour- 
ney. I  wish  to  ride  in  company,  and  take  my  time.  K 
you  come  here,  I  shall  go  with  you.  If  you  start  from 
home,  I  will  go  with  you  or  meet  you  in  Conococheague. 
Do  let  me  know  your  plans."  We  started  from  Philadel- 
phia, partly  on  horseback,  and  partly  in  Dearborns.  In  the 
Doctor's  delicate  health,  the  hot  weather  of  the  latter  part 
of  July  was  too  severe.  He  had  scarcely  reached  Lancas- 
ter, when  he  began  sensibly  to  feel  the  effects  of  heat, 
fatigue,  and  sultry  weather,  in  the  uncovered  vehicles.  On 
the  Yalley  of  Conococheague,  the  limestone  water  so 
affected  the  bodily  system,  that  we  could  scarcely  proceed. 
In  these  circumstances,  the  intellectual  banquet  fell  far  short 
of  the  anticipations  that  had  been  entertained  by  the  party ; 
yet  still,  there  were  many  very  interesting  and  agreeable 
intervals. 

On  the  fifth  of  August,  1823,  the  Synod  met,  and  at  the 
request  of  the  Moderator,  Eev.  Mr.  John  Gibson,  was 
opened  with  prayer,  by  Dr.  McLeod.  Several  new  mem- 
bers were  then  introduced  to  Synod,  among  whom  were 
Rev.  Messrs.  S.  W.  Crawford,  and  Gavin,  and  Hugh 
McMillan. 

Several  points  of  importance  were  presented  at  this 
meeting.  A  committee  had  been  appointed  at  the  last 
meeting  of  the  Synod  to  prepare  a  chapter  on  Adoption, 
which  had  been  omitted  in  the  first  edition  of  the  Testimony. 
Pursuant  to  appointment,  the  committee  had  prepared  a 
chapter,  which,  after  various  alterations  and  amendments, 
was  adopted.     This  has  been  inserted  in  the  second  edition. 

The  next  article  of  moment  was  the  resuscitation  of  the 


TUEOLOGICAL    SESnNAKY.  315 

Theological  Seminary.     This  institution  had,  for  some  years, 
.been  extinct.     The  voice  of  the  peoj^le  was  crying  alond  for 
its  reorganization.     Our  people,  when  an  object  of  magni- 
tude is   properly  brought  before  them,  are   liberal,   even 
beyond  their  means.     The  ministers — even  those  who  were 
the  most  apathetic  on  this  subject — could  no  longer  resist 
the  popular  feeling.      A  layman,  Mr.  Eobert  Brown,  of 
Greensburg,    a    public-spirited   elder,    came    forward   and 
presented  a  plan  of  financial  operations,  so  judicious  and 
promising  in  its  bearing  and  aspect,  as  to  unite  the  whole 
Synod  in  its  adoption.     This  gentleman  had  ever  been  dis- 
tinguished for  liberality  and  ecclesiastical  patriotism ;  and 
his  affluent  circumstances   exemplified   the   truth  of  Solo- 
mon's declaration,  "  The  liberal  man  deviseth  liberal  thino-s 
and  by  liberal  things  shall  he  stand."     The  report  of  the 
committee  on  the  Theological  Seminary,  runs  as  follows: 
"  The  attempts  to  provide  means  for  the  reoi-ganization  of 
the  seminary,  have  failed,  because  the  efforts  made  by' the 
clergy  to  raise  the  requisite  funds,  were  not  accompanied 
with  that  energy  or  that  perseverance  which  were  calcu- 
lated to  ensure  success ;  and  not  from  want  either  of  ability 
or  will  on  the  part  of  the  people,  to  make  the  necessary  con- 
tributions."    Then  follows  the  plan  of  financial  operations, 
as  adopted  by  the  Synod,  and  published  in  their  minutes. 

The  next  step,  on  the  part  of  the  Synod,  was  the  appoint- 
ment of  a  Professor.  The  chair  of  the  Professor  had  been 
vacant  for  eight  years  immediately  preceding.  Tlio  want 
of  the  institution  began  now  to  be  seriously  felt  by  all  who 
regarded  the  respectability  of  the  ministerial  character,  and 
the  success  of  our  ecclesiastical  operations.  The  duties 
were  arduous,  and  the  responsibilities  great.  A  competent 
support  to  a  professor,  in  case  of  exclusive  attention  to  its 


316  MEMOIR   OF   ALEXAM3EB   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

interests  and  duties,  in  the  present  circumstances  of  our 
community,  could  not  be  expected.  But  few  of  our  con- 
gregations, many  of  wliicli  had  been  but  lately  organized, 
were  able  to  aftbrd  adequate  support  to  their  own  ministers. 
The  j)i'ofessional  duties,  therefore,  could  not  be  made  the 
exclusive,  but  must  be  an  extra  service  of  the  occupant  of 
that  chair.  This  must  have  been  very  severe,  indeed,  on 
one  who,  besides  ministerial  labor,  was  obliged,  in  order  to 
procure  a  subsistence,  to  employ  a  portion  of  his  time  in 
ffivinff  academical  instructions.  Besides,  the  condition  of 
our  theological  students  generally,  in  pecuniary  matters, 
rendered  certain  localities  preferable  to  others.  Places 
where  they  might  have  a  reasonable  prospect  of  supporting 
themselves,  during  four  years  attendance  on  the  duties  of 
the  seminary,  would,  of  course,  have  that  preference.  The 
eligibility  of  a  professor,  therefore,  did  not  depend  solely 
upon  his  possession  of  adequate  qualifications,  but  also  on 
the  facilities  afforded  to  students  of  procuring  support  in 
the  place  where  he  might  be  settled.  The  choice  of  the 
theological  professor,  therefore,  was  influenced  by  these 
considerations. 

The  second  part  of  the  report  on  the  seminary  adopted  by 
Synod,  is  in  these  words : 

"Li  order  to  present  a  definite  object  of  interest  to  the 
people,  the  Synod  shall  immediately  proceed  to  the  reorgani- 
zation of  the  seminary,  by  electing  a  professor,  fixing  its 
location,  and  appointing  superintendents." 

The  seminary  and  its  interests  Dr.  McLeod  had  always 
much  at  heart.  From  his  motion  it  originated.  He  was, 
by  far,  the  best  qualified  for  filling  the  professorial  chair. 


PROFESSORSHIP.  317 

His  extensive  unci  various  literature,  his  profound  know- 
ledge of  theology,  his  respectability  and  public  influence, 
and  his  powerful  intellect,  adequate  to  any  emergency, 
would  have  given  a  character  to  the  institution,  which 
could  not  have  failed  to  command  respect.  With  such  a 
professor,  our  scliool  of  the  prophets  would  have  been  a 
centre  of  attraction.  But  the  Doctor  could  never  be  pre- 
vailed upon  to  accept  the  office.  lie  strenuously  resisted 
every  effort  made  to  persuade  him  to  accept.  His  reply 
uniformly  was — "  I  have  no  talents  for  the  performance  of 
the  duties  of  such  an  office."  He  afterwards  wrote  to  his 
friend  Dr.  Wylie,  in  Philadelphia,  urging  his  consent  to  a 
reappointment,  who,  as  often,  categorically  refused.  He 
well  knew,  by  experience,  the  difficulties  connected  with  the 
theological  professorship.  He  felt  his  incompetency  to  the 
proper  discharge  of  its  arduous  duties ;  and  being  now 
released  from  them,  he  had  no  desire  again  to  come  under 
the  yoke,  and  resume  its  responsibilities.  "With  such  feel- 
ings and  resolutions  he  went  to  Synod,  determined  to  remain 
as  he  was. 

The  Eev.  Dr.  Black,  whose  character,  bearing,  and 
superior  talents  highly  qualified  him  for  the  duties  of  that 
office,  utterly  refused.  The  Eev.  Gilbert  McMaster  was 
well  fitted,  in  every  respect,  to  have  filled  the  chair  with 
dignity  and  honor,  but  not  being  present  to  be  consulted  on 
the  subject,  though  talked  of,  he  was  not  nominated.  Tliis 
gentleman,  in  a  sequestered  part  of  the  country,  about  a 
dozen  miles  from  Schenectady,  had  been  growing  up 
silently,  but  steadily  and  surely,  to  notice,  eminence  and 
respectability.  With  mental  powers  of  the  first  order,  great 
nobleness  and  independence  of  soul,  he  commanded  the 
regards  of  all  that  knew  him.     Doctor  McMaster  is  well 


318  MEMOm   OF   ALEXANDER   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

knoY,ni  to  the  public,  by  his  Letters  on  Psahnody,  Essays, 
Catechism,  &c.  &c. 

After  the  adojDtion  of  the  report,  the  Court  then  proceeded 
to  the  election  of  a  professor,  as  per  extract : 

"  On  motion  that  Dr.  Wylie  be  elected  Professor  of 
Theology,  in  the  Theological  Seminary,  he  was  elected, 
withont  a  dissenting  vote. 

"  Dr.  Wylie  expressed  his  acknowledgments  for  the  honor 
thns  conferred  npon  him  by  the  unanimous  voice  of  SynoJ, 
but  begged  leave  to  decline,  for  reasons  he  was  about  to 
offer ;  but  at  the  request  of  Synod,  he  postponed  giving  a 
definitive  answer  until  to-morrow," 

In  the  meantime.  Dr.  McLeod  and  Dr.  Black  exerted  all 
their  influence  to  persuade  Dr.  Wylie  to  accept.  Dr. 
McLeod  proposed,  as  an  inducement  to  his  acceptance,  that 
he,  in  the  meantime,  Avould  himself  undertake  to  finish  the 
argumentative  part  of  the  Testimony.  This,  at  that  time, 
was  considered  "  a  consummation  devoutly  to  be  wished." 
Dr.  "Wylie  consented  at  last,  on  the  express  condition,  that, 
at  the  next  meeting  of  Synod,  should  he  see  cause,  he  would 
have  leave  to  resign  without  question  or  discussion  on  the 
subject. 

The  General,  or  pErRESENTATivE  Synod,  of  the  Reformed 
Presbyterian  Church  in  America,  owes  its  origin  to  Dr. 
McLeod,  at  this  meeting.  The  paucity  of  numbers  formed 
a  strong  objection  to  the  very  idea  of  meethig  by  delega- 
tion. It  was  alleged  that  the  number  of  our  ministers,  so 
far  from  being  too  large  for  deliberative  purposes,  would 
derive  benefit  from  an  increase,  and  that,  consequently, 
any  plan  calculated  to  diminish  that  number,  must  operate 
injuriously. 


KEPKESENTATIVE   SYNOD.  319 

Dr.  McLeod  reasoned  diflerently.  He  contended  tliat  the 
complete  display  of  tlie  New  Testament  example,  required 
sucli  an  organization ;  tLat  tlie  Synod  of  Jerusalem  was  of 
a  representative  character ;  that,  although  not  indispensably 
necessary,  yet,  when  circmnstances  allowed,  it  was  expe- 
dient to  make  a  complete  exhibition  of  the  'New  Testament 
plan  and  practice.  He  availed  himself  also  of  an  argument 
arising  out  of  our  scattered  situation.  Our  connections  were 
spread  over  the  most  of  the  United  States  and  Teri-itories. 
Our  ministers  had  far  to  travel.  Money  was  very  scarce 
in  some  of  the  extremities  of  our  settlements.  Minis- 
ters could  with  difficulty,  if  at  all,  raise  as  much  as  would 
defray  the  expenses  of  travelling  1,000,  or  1,200  miles, 
which  some  of  our  ministers  really  had  to  do,  to  attend 
meetings  of  Synod.  Economy,  in  those  circumstances,  was 
an  important  consideration.  Let  a  Synodical  fund  be 
raised;  let  presbyterial  contributions  be  made,  in  the 
various  congregations ;  the  proceeds  of  these  congregational 
contributions,  united,  may  be  sufficient  to  cover  the  expenses 
of  two  ministers  coming  to  Synod,  when  no  one  of  these 
could  defray  the  expenses  of  one.  Thus,  there  may  be  two 
members  attending,  where,  otherwise,  there  might  be  none. 
"  Would  not  this,"  said  the  Doctor,  "  be  a  great  advantage, 
and  every  way  desirable !"  The  Doctor  carried  his  point. 
The  report  of  the  committee,  which  had  been  favorable  to 
the  project,  was  adopted  by  Synod,  in  the  shape  of  the 
following  resolutions. 

"  1.  Tliat  a  General  Synod  of  the  Eeformed  Presbyterian 
Church,  to  meet  biennially,  be  formed  by  delegation  from 
the  several  Presbyteries. 

"  2.  That  each  Presbytery  shall  have  the  right  of  sending 
two  ministers,  and  as  many  rulmg  elders,  and  that  the  ratio 


320  IVIEMOm   OF   ALEXAOTDEK   MCLEOD,    D.D, 

of  increase  of  tlie  number  of  delegates  be,  until  further  order 
be  taken  on  tbe  subject,  two  ministers,  and  as  manj  ruling 
elders,  for  every  three  ministers  of  which  the  Presb^^tery 
consists. 

"  3.  That  the  first  meeting  of  General  Synod  be  held  in 
the  city  of  ISTew  York,  on  the  fii-st  Tuesday  of  August,  1825, 
at  7  o'clock,  P.M." 

Various  attempts  have  been  made  to  abolish  this  system 
of  representation,  but  without  success.  Some  adhere  to  it 
from  principle.  Some  have  considered  the  plan  as  harm- 
less ;  others,  as  injurious  in  its  operation.  Respect  for  the 
memory  of  Dr.  McLeod,  its  originator,  has  heretofore 
induced  those  who  were  indifferent  on  this  point,  to  allow 
the  matter  to  rest  where  it  is. 

At  this  meeting.  Dr.  McLeod  presented,  according  to 
appointment,  a  draft  of  a  Covenant.  This  draft  was  formed 
on  the  liberal  basis  of  the  British  system  of  the  second 
Eeformation,  between  1638  and  1649.  It  was  not  to  be 
confined  to  our  own  little  community,  but  to  give  free 
access  to  all  the  branches  of  the  Keformation  vine.  It  was 
worthy  of  its  author,  and  of  the  subject.  The  Synod  felt 
and  appreciated  its  importance,  and  adopted  the  following 
report  of  a  committee  concerning  it. 

JRcsolved,  1.  That  the  draft  of  a  Covenant  be  referred  to  a 
committee,  with  power  to  print  fifty  copies,  for  inspection  at 
next  meeting. 

2.  That  said  committee  be  directed  to  prepare  for 
said  meeting  of  Synod,  a  draft  of  a  pastoral  letter  on  the 
subject  of  covenants ;  and  also,  an  address  to  the  Chris- 
tian world  at  large.  Messrs.  Gilbert  McMaster,  McLeod, 
and  Wylie,  are  that  committee.  This  draft  is  substantially 
the  same  with  that  afterwards  presented  to  the  Scottish  and 


MEMORIAL.  321 

Irisli  Synods,  and  forwarded  to  our  Synod  for  tlieir  criti- 
cisms.    It  was  published  in  our  minutes. 

A  memorial  from  Soutli  Carolina,  on  the  subject  of 
Slavery,  was  presented  to  Synod.  It  was  referred  to  a 
committee,  of  wliicli  Dr.  McLeod  was  chairman.  The 
following  is  the  report  of  said  committee  : 

"Your  committee,  aware  that,  from  positive  statutes, 
already  made,  no  slaveholder  can  be  held  in  the  communion 
of  this  church,  have  only  to  add,  that  all  practical  difficul- 
ties which  may  arise  in  the  application  of  the  principle  to 
the  several  facts  which  may  occur,  had  better  be  left  to  the 
discretion  of  the  local  and  inferior  judicatories,  to  take  care 
that  in  these  cases,  in  which  the  power  of  the  State  is 
employed  to  prevent  emancipation,  that  the  Court  shall  act 
on  the  true  moral  intent  of  the  avowed  principles  and  laws 
of  the  Reformed  Presbyterian  Church.  And  it  is  the 
opinion  of  your  committee,  that  the  religions  treatment  of 
negroes,  whether  in  infancy  or  in  manhood,  had  better  be 
referred  to  the  judgment  of  Chui'ch  Sessions." 


322  JtEMOm   OF   ALEXANDEE   MCLEOD,    D.D. 


CHAPTEE    XIY. 

182T. 

From  the  meeting  of  Synod  in  Pittsburg,  1823,  until  the  meeting  in 
Pliiladelphia,  1827. 

The  congregation  of  Conococlieague,  having  obtained 
the  consent  of  the  Eev.  Samuel  W.  Crawford  to  become 
their  pastor,  the  Doctor,  desirous  of  being  present  at  the 
installment,  thus  intimates  his  views  : 

"  I  made  no  promise  to  see  Mr.  Crawford  installed ; 
I  simply  consented  to  accompany  Mrs.  McLeod,  if  she 
should  visit  her  sister  in  August.  She  will  not  do  so,  and 
the  matter  is  done. 

"  Should  I,  however,  know  the  day  of  your  communion  in 
time  to  make  arrangements,  I  would  endeavor  to  enjoy 
the  Eucharist  in  your  fellowship.  My  years  will  be  few : 
I  would  like  to  employ  a  week  in  each  of  them,  to  cherish 
such  friendships  and  enjoy  such  fellowships  as  shall  be  per- 
petuated in  heaven,  after  being  useful  to  the  church  of 
God  on  earth. 

"  Will  you  do  me  the  favor  to  let  me  know  whether  your 
communion  is  to  be  on  the  3d  of  August,  and  if  you 
expect  to  see  there,  at  the  time,  our  beloved  widowed 
brother." 


DEATH   OF   FEIENDS.  323 

Mrs.  Black,  the  wife  of  the  Rev.  Doctor  Black,  had,  a 
short  time  before,  departed  this  life,  and  entered  into  her 
rest.  She  was  an  excellent,  pious,  and  highly  intellectual 
woman,  beloved  of  all  who  had  the  pleasure  of  her  acquaint- 
ance. To  this  event  Doctor  McLeod  alludes,  in  terms  of 
condolence,  sincerely  felt.  His  heart  and  his  experience 
united  in  teaching  him  "to  feel  another's  woe."  He 
attended  at  the  installment,  and  took  part  in  the  services  at 
the  dispensation  of  the  Sacranient  of  the  Supper, 

The  ensuing  spring  of  1825  passed  without  anything  par- 
ticularly remarkable.  The  usual  routine  of  ministerial 
duties  occupied  attention,  and  some  delightful  seasons  of 
ministerial  intercommunion  in  the  dispensation  of  the  Lord's 
Supper  cheered  and  invigorated  the  hearts  of  the  ambassa- 
dors of  the  Redeemer. 

In  the  spring  of  this  year.  Doctor  McLeod  experienced 
a  heavy  and  severe  bereavement,  in  the  death  of  his  dear 
friend  and  brother,  the  Rev.  Doctor  John  B.  Romeyn. 
This  stroke  he  felt  most  poignantly.  Their  friendship  had 
been  long  and  intimate.  It  had  been  cemented  by  a 
thousand  ties,  springing  out  of  congenial  minds,  youthful 
associations,  mutual  good  offices,  constant  intercourse,  and 
location  in  the  same  city.  Their  love  to  their  master,  to  his 
work,  and  to  his  saints,  poured  an  unction  over  their  friend- 
ship, furnishing  an  earnest  of  its  perpetuity  in  a  better 
world.  They  are  now  both  gone  to  their  reward ;  and 
while,  when  reflecting  on  their  sterling  worth,  the  tear 
starts  at  the  thought  that  they  are  gone  !  gone !  to  retm-n 
no  more,  it  is  wiped  away  by  the  consolation  of  the 
sacred  truth,  "Blessed  are  the  dead  who  die  in  the 
Lord." 

About  this  time,   a   communication  was  received  from 


324         MEMOIR  OF  ALEXANDER  MCLEOD,  D.D. 

the  Doctor,  involving  most  profound  reflections  on  parties, 
men,  things,  schemes,  j)olicj,  &c-,  showing  an  acquaint- 
ance with  the  machinery  of  society,  and  the  latent  springs 
of  action,  evincive  of  the  closest  observation,  and  most 
acute  sagacity.  But  these,  however  just  and  valuable 
for  private  perusal,  must  sleep  till  the  next  generation. 

The  time  of  meeting  of  Synod  was  now  at  hand.  It 
was  to  be  held  in  'New  York,  2d  August,  1825.  Such 
meetings  v^ere  always  spirit-stirring  seasons  with  the 
Doctor,  wherever  they  might  be  held.  But  when  about 
to  be  held  in  his  own  city,  all  the  delightful  feelings  of 
Highland  hospitality  dispensed  at  his  own  table,  were 
called  into  exercise,  so  as  to  afford  an  additional  zest  to 
his  pleasure.     In  anticipation  of  this,  he  observes : 

"  The  time  is  now  at  hand  on  which  I  expect  the  pleasure 
of  your  society  and  Dr.  Black's.  I  pray  God  to  preserve 
health,  and  prevent  disappointment. 

"  You  know  I  live  at  some  distance  from  the  place  of 
debarkation ;  and  I  hope  you  will  wa-ite  of  the  day  and  the 
line  in  wliicli  you  travel,  that  I  may  meet  you  and  greet  you 
on  your  arrival,  and  conduct  you  to  Greenwich.  We  are 
now  more  comfortably  fixed  than  I  had  reason  to  hope,  the 
beginning  of  June.  Good  air,  and  good  water,  and  more 
house-room  than  we  have  been  accustomed  to  enjoy.  Will 
you  have  the  goodness  to  present  Mrs.  McLeod's  compli- 
ments to  Mrs.  Wylie,  with  the  request  to  favor  us  with  a 
visit  to  our  country-seat  along  with  you  ;  and  need  I  say  to 
you,  my  brother,  that  this  ought  to  be  done.  It  would  give 
me  pure  joy  to  see  that  lady  once  within  my  house.  We 
calculate  on  Margaret  and  Theophilus,  at  all  events. 

"  If  Dr.  Black  should  be  on  horseback,  tell  him  I  have  a 


COEEESPONDENCE.  325 

good  stable  and  good  fodder,  and  tliat  lie  may  ride  direct 
to  tlie  liouse  where  lie  first  preached. "       ■^*         '-'"         -         -' 

"A.  McL." 

The  eleventh  session  of  Synod  opened  in  ISTew  York, 
according  to  adjournment,  Angnst  2,  1825.  This  was  the 
first  meeting  by  delegation.  Representatives  appeared 
from  all  the  five  Presbyteries. 

At  this  meeting,  we  are  informed  by  the  minutes,  "  A 
communication  was  received  from  the  Eev.  Stephen  'N. 
Rowan,  D.D.,  addressed  to  the  Moderator  of  this  Synod, 
covering  an  extract  from  the  ]_  minutes  of  the  General 
Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  as  follows : 

"  At  a  meeting  of  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presby- 
terian Church,  in  the  United  States  of  America,  on  the 
thirty-first  day  of  May  last,  the  following  resolution  was 
presented,  through  the  Committee  of  Overtures,  and 
adopted,  viz. : 

'■'■  Besolved — That  a  Committee  be  ai^pointed  by  this 
General  Assembly,  to  confer  with  a  similar  committee  to  be 
appointed  by  the  Synod  of  the  Reformed  Presbyterian 
Church,  should  they  deem  it  expedient  to  appoint  such  a 
committee,  and  to  prepare  a  plan  of  correspondence 
between  the  two  bodies. 

"  The  Rev.  Stephen  :N'.  Rowan,  D.D.,  the  Rev.  Elihu  W. 
Baldwin,  and  the  Rev.  Robert  McCartee,  were  appointed  a 
committee,  agreeably  to  the  above  resolutions. 

"  A  true  extract  from  the  minutes. 
'■''Attested, 

"  EzEA  Stiles  Eli, 
"  Stated  Clerh  of  General  Assemlly. 

"Phtladelphia,  July  loth,  A.D.,  1825." 


326  MEMOIK   OF   ALE.X.ANDEE,   MCLEOD,    D.D, 


This  proposal,  on  tlie  part  of  tlie  General  Assembly,  was 
met  witli  becoming  promptitude  on  the  part  of  onr  Synod. 
It  was  attended  to  immediately.     Thus  the  minute  ran. 

"After  considering  this  communication,  the  Synod  agreed 
to  the  following  resolutions : 

"  Whereas,  a  communication  was  made  to  this  Synod, 
from  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church, 
informing  them  that  a  committee  had  been  appointed, 
&c.,  &c. 

'•'•  Resolved — .That  a  committee  be  appointed  to  confer 
with  the  committee  appointed  by  the  General  Assembly, 
and  that  the  Rev.  Alexander  McLeod,  D.D.,  and  the  Eev. 
John  Gibson,  be  that  committee,  and  that  they  shall  report 
to  Synod  with  all  convenient  speed. 

"  Hesolved — That  the  chairman  of  the  above  committee 
communicate  to  the  chairman  of  the  committee  of  the 
General  Assembly,  the  resolution  of  this  Synod." 

This  synodical  transaction  might,  indeed,  be  considered 
as  a  new  era  in  our  ecclesiastical  concerns  in  this  country. 
By  the  maxims  of  common  sense,  by  our  Covenant  engage- 
ments, and  by  the  obligations  of  the  sacred  oracles,  we  were 
bound  to  use  all  lawful  endeavors  to  promote  uniformity  in 
the  doctrine,  worship,  discipline,  and  government  of  the 
church  of  our  Redeemer.  Tliat  church  we  found  divided 
into  various  sections,  cherishing  prejudices,  too  often  indulg- 
ing animosities  subversive  of  the  interests  of  true  godliness ; 
and,  although  members  of  the  same  body — the  body  of 
Christ — laboring  under  alienation  of  affection  from  each 
other,  yet  all  holding  the  same  head,  and  all  acknowledging 
one    Lord,   one    faith,   and   one   bai3tism.     How   shall   all 


GENERAL   ASSEMBLY.  327 

these  be  brouglit  to  tliat  nniformity  requisite  for  organic 
comTnumon,  and  demanded  by  the  unity  of  the  truth? 
Will  it  not  be  by  the  cultivation  of  social  communion 
and  friendly  correspondence?  Does  not  a  repulsive  dis- 
tance, on  the  'part  of  brethren,  promote  alienation  of 
affection,  foment  jealousies,  rivet  prejudices,  and  cherish 
unfriendly  feelings?  Shall  we  stand  aloof,  and  with  sanc- 
timonious air,  like  the  proud  Pharisee,  say,  "  Stand  by,  we 
are  holier  than  you !"  Ko ;  God  forbid !  such  was  not  the 
conduct  of  our  reforming  ancestors.  With  other  sentiments, 
they  formed  and  swore  the  Covenant  in  1648,  by  the  spirit 
of  which  we  still  hold  ourselves  bound.  But  this  subject 
will  again  present  itself,  when  the  report  of  the  committee 
shall  come  under  discussion. 

It  need  scarcely  be  remarked  here,  that  Dr.  McLeod 
cordially  concurred  in  the  project  of  the  contemplated 
correspondence  between  the  General  Assembly  and  our 
Synod.  The  current  year  had  not  come  to  a  close  before  he 
had  attended  to  and  finished  the  business  assigned  to  the 
committee  of  which  he  was  appointed  chairman.  Doctor 
McLeod,  in  a  letter,  dated  I^ew  York,  January  2,  1826, 
'^'  "  *  says,  we  met  on  Friday,  and  finished  the  business, 
unanimously,  ere  we  separated. 

The  articles  are  in  substance  as  follows  : 

1.  Maintaining  the  proper  unity  of  the  visible  church, 
and  lamenting  its  divisions,  we  mutually  covenant  to 
employ  our  exertions  patiently  and  prudently  to  bring  our 
respective  churches  together,  to  a  uniformity  in  doctrine, 
worship,  and  order,  according  to  the  Word  of  God. 

2.  In  the  meantime,  we  covenant  that  ministers,  elders, 
and  people  shall  treat  each  other  with  Christian  respect, 
that  the  validity  of  ecclesiastical  acts  shall  be  reciprocally 


328  JIEMOIR   OF   ALEXAlSrDER   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

admitted;  and  each  of  tlie  contracting  parties  may,  witlioiit 
offence,  examine  persons,  and  review  cases  of  discipline,  on 
points  distinctive  to  tlie  resj^ective  denominations. 

3.  That  the  superior  judicatories  shall  appoint  two  mem- 
bers, as  commissioners,  to  attend  the  meetings  of  the  other, 
not  as  members  of  that  other,  but  with  liberty  to  deliver 
opinions  on  any  subject  of  interest,  whether  in  discussion, 
or  otherwise,  but  in  no  case  to  vote  on  a  question. 

4.  That  the  General  Assembly  shall,  on  ratifying,  appoint 
their  delegates,  to  meet  General  Synod,  so  soon  as  they 
[General  Synod]  shall  have  ratified  this  covenant. 

'•Thus,"  continues  the  Doctor,  "so  far  as  I  perceive,  we 
give  nothing  up  ;  we  forego  no  privilege  we  now  have,  and 
we  gain  a  public  admission  of  truth  in  a  respectable  con- 
nection with  a  sister  church,  and  a  covenant  with  them  for 
future  reform,  or,  at  least,  for  the  use  of  lawful  means  to 
lead  thereto.  '^  "  *  *  I  hope  little  more  will  be  said 
upon  this  subject,  until  it  rises  up  to  view  in  the  Assembly. 

"  Yours  sincerely, 

"  A.  McL." 

The  good  Doctor's  hopes  in  this  case  were  disaj)pointed. 
It  was  sjyolcen  against,  written  against,  decried  from  pulpit, 
press,  and  by  private  denunciation,  as  a  violation  of  our 
covenants,  long  before  it  rose  to  view  in  the  General  Assem- 
bly. Every  prejudice  that  could  be  excited  was  enlisted 
against  it,  and  the  tocsin  of  incipient  apostasy  was  rung 
over  the  length  and  breadth  of  the  land.  But  this  topic 
shall,  for  the  present,  yield  to  a  summons  of  deej)  interest 
from  another  quarter. 

In  the  beginning  of  the  next  month,  February,  Doctor 


SERIOUS   ILLNESS.  329 

McLeod  was  seized  witli  the  prevailing  influenza,  whose 
symptoms  became  rapidly  more  and  more  alarming.  On 
Wednesday,  the  8tli  of  February,  inflammation  in  the  lungs 
was  indicated,  and  a  consultation  of  physicians  held.  On 
Saturday,  the  11th,  after  eleven  o'clock,  a.m.,  Dr.  'Wylie 
received  two  letters  simultaneously,  one  of  which  was  from 
Mr.  John  McLeod,  merchant,  E"ew  York,  apprising  him  of 
the  Doctor's  imminent  danger.  "  By  journeying  hither," 
says  one  of  these  letters,  "  with  the  utmost  expedition,  you 
may  possibly  see  him  alive." 

Distressing  intelligence !  But  two  weeks  before,  he  had 
been  actively  engaged  in  Presbyterial  and  pastoral  duties. 
But  who  knows  what  a  day  may  bring  forth ! 

After  eleven  o'clock,  a.m..  Dr.  Wylie  received  this  dis- 
tressing intelligence,  on  returning  home  from  his  academical 
labors,  and  instantly  started  to  the  stage  office,  and  took  his 
passage  for  l^ew  York.  The  attention  of  his  family  sent 
after  him  his  valise,  which  was  handed  to  him,  just  as  he 
entered  the  stage.  It  was  the  mail  stage,  and  was  to  arrive 
in  Kew  York  by  six  o'clock  next  morning.  The  roads,  at 
that  season,  were  excessively  bad  and  deep,  and  it  was  five 
o'clock  afternoon  of  Sabbath  before  he  reached  the  house 
of  Dr.  McLeod.  It  was  the  first  time  he  had  ever  been 
under  the  necessity  of  travelling  on  the  Lord's  Day,  uriess 
to  or  from  divine  worship.  lie  cannot  here  omit  remark- 
ing, that  while  even  solltar?/  travelling,  on  the  Sabbath, 
unless  in  cases  of  necessity,  is  a  criminal  desecration  of  the 
Lord's  Day,  it  is  much  more  so  in  such  promiscuous  groups 
as  usually  assemble  in  a  stage  coach.  The  Christian  in  the 
exercise  of  grace  will  not  thus  profane  the  Sabbath,  and  rob 
his  Maker  of  that  which  he  has  sanctified  for  himself. 

On  reaching  the  house,  he  found  the  Doctor  very  low. 

22 


330        MEMOIR  OF  ALEXANDER  MCLEOD,  D.D. 

The  preacliei*  wlio  had  occnjDied  the  pulpit  in  the  morning, 
after  the  explanation  of  the  Psalms,  had  dismissed  the  con- 
gregation in  most  profound  grief,  expecting  every  succeed- 
ing moment  to  hear  the  doleful  tidings,  that  the  Lord  had 
removed  their  pastor  from  over  their  head.  Their  devout 
and  fervent  prayers  prevailed.  He  was  restored.  He  had 
been  for  a  considerable  time  delirious,  and  generally  insen- 
sible to  what  was  passing  around  him.  All  company,  save 
his  nurses  and  the  physicians,  was  interdicted. 

On  Dr.  Wylie's  being  permitted  to  enter  the  chamber 
where  he  was  lying,  he  walked  softly  up  to  the  bedside,  in 
perfect  silence.  Although  the  light  in  the  room  was  very 
faint,  he  instantly  recognized  the  countenance  of  his  friend  ; 
and  to  the  astonishment  and  alarm  of  Mrs.  McLeod,  who 
was  discharging  the  duties  of  the  tender  nurse,  to  her 
prostrate  husband,  he  sat  up  on  the  bed,  grasped  Dr.  Wylie 
in  his  embrace,  and  using  the  familiar  name  by  which  they 
had  been  in  the  habit  of  addressing  each  other,  he 
exclaimed — "  My  dear  Billy,  I  am  rejoiced  to  see  you !"  It 
was  feared  that  the  excitement  might  prove  injurious,  if  not 
fatal,  considering  his  extreme  debility.  Dr.  Wylie  imme- 
diately after  withdrew,  and  Mrs.  McLeod  soon  got  him 
composed  again,  and  from  that  moment  he  began  to  recover. 
Whether  the  unexpected  recognition  of  an  old  friend,  and 
the  affectionate  designation  which  former  intimacy  had 
adopted,  recalling  pleasant  associations  of  former  years, 
contributed  to  the  giving  a  favorable  turn  to  the  complaint, 
the  writer  will  not  pretend  to  determine.  The  fact  was, 
that  he  began  to  recover,  and  became  convalescent,  and  in 
the  course  of  a  few  months,  he  was  again  himself.  Many 
of  his  friends  had  been  distressed  under  the  apprehension, 
from  the  severity  of  the  disease,  and  the  slowness  of  his 


SLOW   KECOVEEY.  331 

recovery,  that  his  intellectual  powers  would  be  afi'ectecl.  Any 
fears  of  this  nature  were  entirely  dissipated  by  his  pulpit 
exhibitions  ;  and  particularly  by  his  address  to  Synod  at  next 
meeting,  on  the  plan  of  correspondence.  This  was  after- 
wards published  ;  read  it  and  judge. 

Dr.  Wylie  remained  with  him  until  the  Thursday 
following,  and  to  his  great  satisfaction,  found,  on  the 
evening  before  his  departure,  the  Doctor  was  able  to  con- 
verse with  considerable  ease ;  and  asked  him  to  come  and 
occupy  his  place,  at  the  dispensation  of  the  sacrament  of 
the  Suj)per,  which,  by  appointment  of  Session,  had  been 
previously  fixed.     To  this  Dr.  Wylie  promptly  agreed. 

On  the  2Tth  of  same  month.  Dr.  McLeod  was  so  far 
recovered,  as  to  be  able  to  pen  the  following  brief  epistle  : 

"  Deak  Bkother  : — ■ 

"This  is  my  first  effort  at  writing.  I 
continue  to  improve  ;  but  my  progress  is  slow.  I  feel  for  my 
people.     It  will  be  long  before  I  can  serve  them. 

"The  sacrament  you  will  dispense  for  me  on  26th  of 
March.  Mr.  Crawford  will  be  here  to  help.  In  order  to 
this,  it  should  be  announced  next  Sabbath,  but  the  church 
cannot  be  opened  unless  you  send  me  aid.  Ask  Mr. 
Guthrie,  if  you  please,  to  come  on  this  week,  and  preach 
twice  on  Sabbath. 

"  Yours,  &c. 

"  A.  McL." 

Mr.  Guthrie  had  been  lately  licensed,  and  had,  according 
to  rule,  returned  for  the  last  season  to  the  seminary.  This 
young  gentleman  possessed  fine  talents,  was  an  industrious 
student,  a  graduate  of  the  Western  University  of  Pennsyl- 


332  MEMOm   OF   ALEXANDER   MCLEOD,    D.D. 


vania,  and  miicli  respected.  lie  is  now  a  liiglilj  esteemed 
minister  of  the  gospel,  in  the  neighborhood  of  Pittsburg, 
He  went  on  to  New  York  at  Dr.  McLeod's  request,  and 
preached  with  much  acceptance,  as  the  Doctor  thus  states, 
on  March  Tth,  1826. 

"  Dear  Bkother  : — 

"  I  thank  you  for  sending  us  Mr.  Guthrie, 
as  I  thank  him  for  coming  on.  He  has  been  exceedingly 
acceptable  to  my  congregation.     All  speak  highly  of  him. 

"  As  I  depend  on  Mr.  Crawford  for  next  Sabbath,  and  the 
intermediate  time,  I  dej^end  on  you,  to  do  the  entire  work 
of  the  pastor,  on  the  communion  day.  My  love  to  the 
family.     Forget  us  not  in  your  prayers,  &c." 

Agreeably  to  previous  arrangements.  Dr.  Wylie  attended 
on  the  communion  Sabbath,  and  discharged  the  duties  of  the 
pastor.  The  Doctor  was  himself  so  far  recovered,  as  to  be 
present  part  of  the  day,  partake  in  the  communion,  and 
serve  a  table.  He  continued  to  recover  strength,  but  very 
slowly ;  and  it  is  questionable  if  he  ever  regained  that 
degree  of  physical  vigor  which  he  possessed  previously  to 
that  illness.  But  although  he  might  never  have  entirely 
recovered  from  the  severity  of  that  shock,  his  mental  energy 
soon  shone  forth  unimpaired ;  and,  as  was  liinted  already,  at 
next  meeting  of  Synod,  in  May,  1827,  his  address  on  the 
articles  of  correspondence,  ranks  among  the  greatest  of  the 
Doctor's  intellectual  efforts.  His  visits  to  sister  congrega- 
tions, during  the  summer,  after  his  illness,  were  less  frequent 
than  on  ibrmer  years  ;  and  his  services  to  the  churches, 
more  limited.     He  was  able  to  visit  Philadelphia,  on  the 


COKEESPONDENCE.  333 

following  August,  and  preached  in  Dr.  Wy lie's  churcli  with 
his  wonted  acceptance. 

In  the  meantime  the  plan  of  correspondence  was  freely- 
discussed  by  ministers  and  people  in  our  communion.  Some 
denounced  it  as  ajjostasy,  and  the  incipient  move  for  merg- 
ing into  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church. 
The  minds  of  the  people  were  distracted;  jealousies  were 
industriously  propagated  and  fomented,  and  the  whole 
subject  prejudged  long  before  the  meeting  of  Synod.  In 
this  state  of  matters. 

The  Reformed  Presbyterian  Synod  opened  its  12th  session 
in  Philadelphia,  May  ICth  1827.  Delegates  appeared  from 
all  the  Presbyteries,  except  the  Southern.  Eev.  Gilbert 
McMaster,  moderator,  Pev.  Dr  Black,  clerk. 

The  first  item  of  special  interest  presented  to  Synod,  was 
the  report  of  the  Committee  of  Correspondence,  witli  the 
General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  The  plan 
agreed  upon  by  the  joint  committee,  was  reported  by  the 
chairman.  Dr.  McLeod ;  and  an  authenticated  co'pj  laid 
upon  the  table. 

Although  the  substance  of  this  report  has  been  given 
already,  as  related  from  memory,  in  a  letter  from  Dr. 
McLeod,  yet,  it  is  thought  proper  here  to  insert,  verbatim, 
the  authenticated  copy. 

New  York,  December  ZOth,  1825. 

"The  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church, 
and  the  Synod  of  the  Reformed  Presbyterian  Church, 
having  severally  appointed  .a  committee  to  prepare  a 
plan  of  correspondence  between  the  two  bodies,  the  said 
committees  met  this  day,  at  the  house  of  Rev.  Stephen  K. 
Rowan,  D.D. 


334-  MEMOIR   OF   ALEXAJSTDEE   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

"  Present,  on  the  part  of  the  General  Assemhlj,  Tlev. 
Stephen  IST.  Eowan  D.D.  and  the  Rev.  Mr,  McCartee  ;  on 
the  part  of  the  Synod  of  the  Reformed  Presbyterian  Chnrch, 

Rev.  Alexander  McLeod,  D.D.  and  .     Absent, 

of  the  committee  of  the  Reformed  Presbyterian  Church, 
Rev.  John  Gibson  ;  of  the  committee  of  the  General  Assem- 
bly, Rev.  Elihu  Baldwin. 

"The  committees  having  resj^cctively  presented  their 
commissions,  the  Rev.  Alexander  McLeod,  D.D.,  was  ap- 
pointed chairman,  and  the  Rev.  Stephen  'N.  Rowan,  D.D., 
secretary.  The  Rev.  Dr.  McLeod  opened  the  meeting  with 
prayer ;  and  the  Rev.  Dr.  Rowan  read  a  j)a.rt  of  the  fourth 
chapter  of  the  epistle  to  the  Ephesians. 

"After  mutual  and  friendly  consultation,  the  following- 
plan  was  unanimously  adopted,  viz. : 

"  '  Article  I.  The  General  Assembly  and  the  Synod  of  the 
Reformed  Presbyterian  Church,  lamenting  the  existing 
separations  among  the  members  of  the  body  of  Christ ;  and 
believing  that  all  the  members  of  that  body,  being  many, 
are  one  body,  and  trusting  to  the  Word  of  God,  that  these 
separations  will  not  be  perpetual,  do  agree,  to  use  all  scrip- 
tural means,  in  the  exercise  of  patience,  and  prudence,  to 
bring  their  several  ecclesiastical  connections  to  uniformity 
in  doctrine,  worship,  and  order,  according  to  the  word  of 
God. 

" '  Article  II.  In  order  to  bring  about  this  desirable 
object,  on  the  basis  of  the  proper  wiity  of  tlie  visible  church, 
it  is  MUTUALLY  COVENANTED,  that  the  ministers,  members  and 
judicatories,  of  these  churches,  treating  each  other  with 
Christian  respect,  shall  always  recognize  the  validity  of  each 
other's  acts  and  ordinances,  consonant  to  the  Scriptures  ;  and 
yet,  that   any  judicatory  belonging  to   either  body,  may 


GENERAL   ASSE3IBLY.  335 

examine  persons,  or  review  cases  on  points,  at  present  pecu- 
liar or  distinctive  to  themselves. 

"'Article  III.  The  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyte- 
rian Church,  and  the  Synod  of  the  Reformed  Presbyterian 
Church,  shall  severally  appoint  two  commissioners,  Avith  an 
alternate  to  each,  to  attend  these  judicatories  respectively, 
who  shall  hold  their  offices  until  they  shall  have  been  super- 
seded by  another  choice ;  and  these  commissioners  shall 
have  the  privilege  of  proposing  measures,  important  to  the 
church  of  Christ,  and  of  delivering  their  opinions  on  any 
subject  under  discussion ;  but  they  shall  have  no  vote  in  its 
decision. 

" '  Article  IV.  In  order  to  carry  this  last  article  into 
effect,  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church 
will,  at  their  sessions  in  May,  1826,  appoint  commissioners, 
who  shall  attend  the  succeeding  meeting  of  Synod,  of  the 
Reformed  Presbyterian  Church,  provided  said  Synod  shall 
have  concurred  in  the  above  plan  of  correspondence. 

" '  Resolved — That  an  authenticated  copy  of  these  pro- 
ceedings be  furnished  to  the  chairman  of  each  of  the 
conferring  committees,  to  be  laid  before  their  respective 
judicatories. 

'■'■'■  liesolved — That  a  copy  of  the  above  plan  be  recom- 
mended to  the  G  encral  Assembly,  and  to  the  Synod  of  the 
Reformed  Presbyterian  Church,  to  be  submitted  to  the 
members  of  the  two  committees  which  are  absent,  for  their 
concurrence  or  dissent ;  and  that  the  result  be  transmitted 
to  the  secretary  of  these  conferring  committees,  and  the 
same  be  by  him  and  the  chairman  communicated  to  their 
respective  judicatories. 

"  Adjourned,  closing  with  prayer  by  the  Rev.  Mr. 
McCartee.  Alexander  McLeod,  Chairman. 

"  Stephen  I^.  Rowan,  Secretary,^'' 


336  MEMOIR   OF   AJLEXAJSTDER   MCLEOD,    D.D . 

The  foregoing  plan,  having,  in  conformity  with  the  last 
resolution,  been  communicated  to  the  Kev.  Elihu  Baldwin^ 
the  result  was  communicated  to  the  secretary,  viz.  "I 
agree  to  the  foregoing  plan." 

Signed^  Elihtj  Baldwin. 
Attested^  Stephen  IST.  Rowan, 
•  Sccretarij  of  the  Conferring  Committees.. 

This  subject,  of  course,  involved  deep  interest,  and  excited 
much  attention.  Doubtless,  a  large  majority  of  Synod  were 
in  favor  of  the  principles  contained  in  the  plan  of  corres- 
pondence ;  yet  finding  the  manner  in  which  many  of  our 
people  had  been  wrought  upon,  the  prejudices  that  had 
been  excited,  and  apj^rehensive  of  the  dangerous  conse- 
quences, which,  in  such  circumstances,  might  likely  result, 
should  the  plan  of  correspondence  be  adopted,  they 
hesitated.  However  much  many  friendly  to  the  plan 
loved  it,  they  loved  the  peace  of  their  community  more  ; 
and  looked  forward  to  more  auspicious  times.  After  a  long 
discussion,  therefore,  the  motion  for  adoption  was  withdrawn, 
and  the  following  substituted  in  its  place. 

"  While  the  Synod  cordially  recognize  the  principle 
embraced  in  the  proposed  plan  of  correspondence,  between 
the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  and  this 
Synod,  yet,  aware  of  the  scattered  state  of  the  churches 
under  their  care — the  duty  of  preserving  their  mutual 
confidence  unimpaired,  and  their  strength  undiminished, 
and  also  of  the  importance  of  the  subject  itself,  both  to  the 
present  edification  and  the  future  operations  of  the  people 
of  God  in  their  communion, 

Hesolve,  to  postpone  indefinitely  the  further  consideration 


POWEKFUL   ADDRESS.  337 

of  the  proposed  plan  of  correspondence,  with  the  General 
Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church." 

The  Synod  adopted  this  resolution,  to  the  no  small  mortifi- 
cation of  many  of  its  members,  who  were  well  pleased  with 
the  plan  of  correspondence.     Upon   reflection,  it  is  alleged, 
that  the  interests  of  our  cause  were  unduly  sacrificed  to 
the  desire  of  maintaining  peace  and  unity.     The  opponents 
of  the  correspondence  were  emboldened   in  their  bigoted 
course,   and   anti-reformation   system.     This    sacrifice   was 
rendered,  on  the  part  of  the  friends  of  the  treahj,  the  more 
painful,  from  their  having  listened  with  great  attention  to 
Dr.  McLeod,  while  delivering  one  of  the  most  powerful 
addresses  that  ever  fell  from  his  lips.     To  do  it  justice, 
would  be  to  transcribe  the  whole.     Nor  would  even  this  do 
it  justice.  No  ;  the  manner,  the  emphasis,  the  tones  of  voice, 
the  "  tout  ensemble''  of  this  address  cannot  be  represented 
to  the  eye.     It  was  afterwards  published.     In  reference  to 
this  publication,  the  Doctor  remarks  :  "  It  was  printed  more 
to   prevent  mistakes    concerning  my  own  views,  than   to 
enlighten  and  convince  others.     It  was  not  at  all  intended 
for    market.      Delicacy  has,  hitherto,  prevented  me   from 
sending  it  anywhere  but  among  my  personal  friends  ;  and 
as   there  is  no  wish  either  to  make  proselytes,  or  secure 
expenses,  I  will  thank  you  to  give  them  [a  package  of  the 
addresses  sent  on  Avitli  the  letter]  away,  where  you  think  the 
gift  will   do   no  harm ;   and   especially  where   it  will  be 
acceptable." 

On  rising  to  address  the  Synod,  the  Doctor  recognized 
the  competency  of  the  Court,  and  the  community  they 
represented,  in  an  especial  degree,  to  form  an  accurate 
judgment  of    such    federal    transactions — Covenanters  by 


338         MEMOIR  OF  ALEXANDER  MCLEOD,  D.D. 

name — on  their  admission  to  the  cliurch,  and  previously 
to  their  particij)ation  in  sealing  ordinances,  professing 
their  adherence  to  the  Covenants  of  their  ancestors,  &e., 
&c.  "  That  our  own  ecclesiastical  connections,  the  Chris- 
tian public,  an  observing  "world,  Init  particularly  that 
resj^ectable  body  which  is  a  I3arty  to  the  contract,  having 
already  sanctioned  its  articles,  wait  the  decision." 

He  then  proceeds  to  show,  that  though  analogous  to 
arrano-ements  amons;  the  churches  of  the  Reformation, 
during  the  sixteenth  and  seventeenth  centuries,  yet  "it 
is  radically  different  from  the  several  conventions  of  the 
different  denominations  of  Christians  of  the  present  age." 
Thus  he  shows  that  "this  is  not  a  plan  of  union,"  never 
designed  as  the  basis  of  organic  union.  This,  in  the  exist- 
ing state  of  things,  is  impracticable.  The  attempt  multi- 
plies divisions.  The  expedient  would  be  unprofitable  to 
the  communion  of  saints.  "There  is,"  says  the  Doctor, 
"  really  more  sweet  and  refreshing  religious  fellowship 
between  Christian  men  mutually  acquainted,  though  mem- 
bers of  separate  ecclesiastical  bodies,  than  can  ever  exist 
between  persons  of  heterogeneous  sentiments,  though  they 
happen  to  be  in  the  visible  communion  of  the  same  denom- 
ination. Archbishop  Usher  had  more  enjoyment  in  the 
fellowship  of  Samuel  Eutherford,  than  he  ever  could  have 
had  in  the  company  of  Primate  Laud. 

"  The  articles,"  continues  he,  "  do  not  tend  to  perpetuate 
division."  The  very  idea  would  have  been  wicked.  Its 
existence  is  matter  of  lamentation.  Presbyterians  all 
recognize  and  assert  the  unity  of  the  visible  church. 
The  parties,  therefore,  contract  to  employ  patient  and 
persevering  efforts,  according  to  the  Word  of  God,  to  pro- 
mote that  unity. 


NOT   A   PLAN   OF   UNION.  339 

"In  the  articles  of  correspondence,  tliere  is  no  pledge 
given  by  either  party  to  reform  the  other.  I^either 
party  claim  nor  surrender  the  right  of  altering,  in  any 
■v^ay,  the  constitution  or  usages  of  the  other.  Intellectual 
discussion  and  moral  suasion,  on  the  floors  of  the  higher 
judicatories,  are  the  only  means  to  be  mutually  employed 
for  mutual  benefit.  The  power  of  change  is  left,  under 
God,  to  self-government,  without  interference." 

"Finally,"  says  our  author,  on  these  negative  purposes 
•of  this  plan,  "  it  is  not  intended  to  introduce  the  practice 
of  communion  in  sealing  ordinances  among  the  ministers 
and  members  of  the  two  churches :  it  is  not  a  scheme  of 
ecclesiastical  communion."— "  There  is  no  stipulation  in  the 
articles  for  an  exchange  of  pulpits  of  any  fellowship  in  the 
ministry  of  public  ordinances,  either  habitually  or  occa- 
sionally."—"  The  very  delegates  are  not  required  to  join 
in  any  act  or  ordinance  of  religious  worship  in  the  con- 
gregations of  the  judicatory  to  which  they  are  commis- 
sioned," &c.  "Further,"  adds  the  Doctor,  though  thus 
negative  in  its  provisions,  "it  is  not  to  be  inferred  that, 
therefore,  no  good  can  come  of  it,  or  valuable  purpose  be 
answered  by  its  adoption.  If  the  private  correspondence 
between  two  religious  and  judicious  men  may  be  mutually 
advantageous,  j^^uUic  conference  between  two  interesting 
religious  bodies  cannot  be  injurious,  and,  at  all  events, 
is  worth  the  experiment." — "Distinct  families,  without 
undue  interference  in  each  others  concerns,  may  bo  mutu- 
ally profitable ;  and  why  may  not  churches  reciprocate 
benefits  without  compromitment  of  principles,  or  the 
smallest  dereliction  of  their  own  previous  attainments  ?"&c. 

The  author  of  the  address  goes  on  to  state,  that  while 
the  General  Assembly  have  acted  honorably  and  magnani- 


34:0  MEMOm   OF   ALEXATSDER   MCLEOD,   "D.D. 

mouslj  in  the  transaction,  and  liave  taken  no  advantage, 
as  a  large  body,  in  treating  with  a  smaller  denomination, 
they  have  not  only  recognized  "the  name,  the  standing, 
and  the  ministry,  of  the  Keformed  Presbyterian  Church, 
but  they  have  also  covenanted  to  unite  their  exertions 
with  ours  in  long-enduring  perseverance,  in  the  use  of 
scriptural  means,  to  effect  the  very  object  of  our  own 
solemn  league  and  covenant, — To  hring  the  churches  of 
God  to  the  nearest  conjunction  and  umformity  in  reli- 
gion^ doctrine^  worshii?^  and  order ^  according  to  the  Word 
of  GodP 

Our  author  further  shows,  that  the  whole  transaction 
on  the  part  of  the  General  Assembly,  is  of  perfectly  lond- 
fide  character.  To  suspect  the  contrary,  would  be  a  libel, 
no  less  on  our  own  understandings,  than  on  the  integrity 
of  upriglit  and  honorable  men.  "  Besides,"  he  adds,  "  it 
is  the  evident  interest  of  that  church,  that  this  should 
exist  with  unimpaired  power  and  increasing  influence ; 
considering  their  own  state  internally,  and  their  relation 
to  other  denominations  around  them,  it  is  as  much  their 
interest  as  it  is  their  dut}',  to  encourage  the  industry  of 
the  Reformed  Presbyterian  Church  and  ministry,  in  the 
maintenance  of  evangelical  doctrine  and  Presbvterian  order, 
according  to  the  purest  model  of  the  churches  of  the 
Eeformation.  It  is  equally  our  interest  and  duty  to  encour- 
age their  ministers  to  go  and  do  likewise,"  &c. 

"  The  existence  moreover,  of  the  Presbyterian  Church 
in  America,  in  all  its  extent  and  power,  is  an  object  to 
be  viewed  by  this  Synod,  without  envy  or  ill-will.  The 
great  public  prejudice  in  favor  of  its  very  simple  and 
appropriate  name,  its  numbers,  its  rank,  and  wealth,  and 
literature,  with  so  many  schools  of  almost  every  grade  at 


ENLARGED  VIEWS.  341 

its  command,  secure  to  it  great  influence;  and  having  so 
many  of  the  saints  in  its  communion,  it  must  attract  the 
notice  and  regard  of  every  enlightened  well-wisher  of  the 
Kedeemer's  kingdom.  Its  existence  is  a  fact,  whereof  we 
are  all  glad."  Such  arc  the  enlarged  and  liberal  views  of 
the  author  of  tliis  address. 

He  next  proceeds  to  an  analysis  of  the  several  articles  of 
the  proposed  correspondence.  These  articles  need  not 
here  be  repeated.  "The  first,"  he  says,  "may  be  termed 
the  enacting  clause  of  the  law.  It  is  a  Covenant  between 
two  distinct  parties,  who  agree  to  one  object.  The  object 
is  specified — uniformity  according  to  the  Word  of  God." — 
"  The  means,  scriptural ;  the  manner,  with  patience  and 
prudence. 

"The  declaratory  part  of  the  article  affirms  the  reason 
of  the  bond.  It  consists  of  three  assertions. — ^The  unity 
of  the  church  of  Christ — the  lamentable  existence  of  schism 
— and  the  divine  warrant  to  hope  that  they  shall  not  be 
perpetual.  They  are  all  undeniable,  and," — says  the 
Doctor,  "  these  three  assertions  are  the  essential  princi- 
ples of  the  Reformed  Presbyterian  Covenanters." 

"  The  second  article  describes  the  courtesy  to  be  observed 
by  the  one  towards  the  other,  of  these  contracting  par- 
ties, while  patiently  pursuing  their  object ;  and  to  these 
several  specifications  they  are  mutually  bound  in  cove- 
nant. This  is  nothing  more  than  what  common  polite- 
ness and  civilization  require." — "Tlie  hasis  of  action  is 
the  proper  unity  of  the  visible  church ;  and  two  specifi- 
cations of  conduct  are  mutually  stipulated.  Tlie  first  is, 
that  they  shall  always  recognize  the  validity  of  each  other's 
acts  and  ordinances,  consonant  to  the  Scriptures."  The 
last  limiting  clause,  "  according  to  the  Scriptures,"  removes 


342  LIEMOni   OF   ALEXANDER   MCLEOD,    D.D 


every  possible   objection  wliicli  might   exist  in  tbe  mind 
of  the  most  scrupulous. 

The  second  specification  is,  that  notwithstanding  this 
recognition  of  validity,  etc.,  the  judicatories  may  respec- 
tively, "  examine  persons  or  review  cases  of  discipline, 
on  points  at  present  peculiar  or  distinctive  to  them- 
selves." Thus,  provision  is  made  for  keejDing  inviolate  and 
inviolable  the  distinctive  peculiarities  of  the  respective 
bodies,  unless  so  far  as  they  themselves  may  see  cause  to 
alter  or  improve  them. 

"  The  third  article  defines  the  more  active  part  of  the 
plan — the  appointment  of  commissioners,  to  attend  the 
judicatories  respectively ;  the  time  of  their  continuance 
in  office ;  their  functions,  and  their  privileges.  The 
Doctor 'proceeds :  "Two  commissioners  have  been  already 
appointed  by  the  General  Assembly.  Will  this  Synod  reci- 
procate? I  am  at  loss  to  proceed.  The  time  of  decision 
is  come.  If  there  be  any  conference,  there  must  be  com- 
missioners to  confer.  Is  it  right,  is  it  safe  to  make  the 
appointment  ?  Can  the  Synod  trust  so  much  to  any  two  of 
its  members  as  to  constitute  them  representatives  of  the 
Eeformed  Presbyterian  Church,  to  correspond  wath  the 
General  Assembly  ?  Can  this  Synod  trust  itself  so  far  as 
to  receive  delegates  to  the  full  freedom  of  debate,  from 
the  greatest,  and  the  best,  and  the  worst,  of  all  the  Presby- 
terian Churches  around  us  in  the  land?  I  wave  the 
inquiry,  or  rather  resolve  it  into  another.  AVill  Sj^nod 
adopt  the  report  of  the  committee,  and  so  appoint  these 
commissioners  ?" 

He  proceeds  to  illustrate  the  subject  b}^  the  mission  of  the 
celebrated  John  Knox,  in  the  reign  of  Queen  Elizabeth,  to 
the  bishops  and  pastors  of  the  Church  of  England,  to  solicit 


JOHN    KNOX.  343 

some  relaxation  in  favor  of  the  distressed  Puritans.  lie 
acquitted  himself  with  integrity,  notwithstanding  the 
insinuations  of  his  opposers.  He  argues  the  point  j^ower- 
fully  also  from  its  own  merits,  upon  the  principles  of 
common-sense.  He  appeals  to  the  practicability  of  the 
measure,  and  the  "Providential  call  at  this  moment,  to 
shape  the  policy  of  our  foreign  relations,  without  having 
any  agency  of  our  own  in  its  origin. 

"  The  fourth  article,"  he  observes,  "  requires  no  other 
remark,  than  that  it  has  been  fully  carried  into  operation, 
by  the  General  Assembly,  by  the  a2:)pointment  of  two 
commissioners  to  this  Synod,  in  the  event  of  its  concur- 
rence in  the  plan  of  correspondence." 

The  author  then  proceeds  to  obviate  supposed  objections 
to  this  plan. 

First.  Prejudices  may  exist  in  the  minds  of  the  different 
congregations  of  our  church  against  the  plan.  This  is  not 
surprising.  Facts  in  our  recollection,  defections  from  other 
churches,  and  various  cases  of  aberration  from  our  own 
communion,  all  suggest  the  necessity  of  caution.  "  Though 
a  man  should  not  yield  his  own  sentiments  to  the  mere  pre- 
judices of  another,  yet  the  mere  prejudice  is  a  sufiicient 
reason,  why  a  friend  should  not  force  any  change,  even  for 
the  better,  upon  his  unconvinced  and  unyielding  brother. 

"  Second.  Some,  it  is  possible,  will  doubt  the  lawfulness 
of  entering  into  an  ecclesiastical  arrangement  with  any  other 
people  whatever."  This  very  illiberal  notion  he  completely 
obviates,  both  by  Scripture  authority  and  ecclesiastical 
history.  Let  the  object  be  moral ;  the  means,  scriptural ; 
and  the  intentions,  honest ;  and  difference  of  religion,  of 
whatever  grade,  even  Christians  with  Heathens,  will  form 
no  legitimate  objection.      "IsTo  faith  with  heretics,"  is  an 


34:4  JIEMOm   OF   ALEXANDER  MC  LEOD,   D.D. 

Anticliristian  maxim.  "  We,"  saj^s  the  Doctor,  "  still  main- 
tain the  binding  obligation  of  the  national  covenant,  and  of 
the  solemn  league  and  covenant,  though  made  with  some 
political  men,  some  Episcopalians,  some  Independents,  and 
with  Presbyterians,  in  a  state  of  separation  from  the  Church 
of  Scotland."  These  sentiments  he  establishes  by  numerous 
Scripture  examples,  such  as  Solomon  with  the  Prince  of 
Tyre ;  Jacob  with  Laban,  Abraham  and  Isaac  with  the 
Princes  of  the  Canaanites,  &c.  This  article  he  concludes  in 
the  following  words:  "Gladly  did  the  Scottish  reformers 
accede  to  the  treaty  of  Edinburg,  in  1560,  between  Queen 
Elizabeth,  head  of  the  Church  of  England,  and  Francis  II., 
of  Popish  France,  which  put  an  end  to  the  civil  war,  and 
laid  the  foundation  on  which  the  Eeformed  religion  was  by 
law  established,  in  the  ensuing  General  Assembly  and  Par- 
liament of  Scotland." 

In  the  third  place,  danger  may  possibly  be  apprehended 
to  our  community,  in  impairing  the  esjyrit  du  corjps,  essen- 
tial to  the  welfare  of  every  distinct  society.  "By  close 
connection  with  a  large  body,  the  small  is  in  danger  of 
being  first  assimilated,  then  absorbed.  There  is  fear  the 
Testimony  will  be  relaxed,  then  relinquished  ;  and  ministers 
will  be  induced  to  leave  our  fellowship,  and  accept  calls 
from  their  more  wealthy  congregations."  He  admits  that 
these  are  not  idle  surmises.  All  those  dangers  already 
exist,  independently  of  the  proposed  alliance.  Such  dan- 
cers are  inevitable.  Let  those  who  prefer  another  commu- 
niou,  go  and  join  it.  In  this  case,  let  the  laws  of  elective 
affinity  have  free  operation.  It  is  impossible  to  make  or 
keep  Covenanters  by  physical  force.  And  if  it  could,  shoidd 
not  be  done.  "It  remains,"  says  the  Doctor,  "for  this 
Synod  to  consider,  in  its  wisdom,  whether  the  tendency  to 


A  CKisis.  345 

defection,  to  the  relaxation  of  tlie  Testimony,  and  to  an 
ultimate  abandonment,  is  not  more  likely  to  be  restrained 
than  encouraged,  by  placing  all  operative  causes  under  the 
direction  of  public  law,  sanctioned  by  formal  treaty,  than 
by  leaving  them  altogether  under  the  influence  of  indivi- 
dual circumstances,  which,  privately,  affect  the  feelings  and 
interest  of  individuals."  Many  of  our  steadiest  members, 
the  most  averse  to  anything  like  dereliction  of  principle,  are 
of  opinion  that  this  j)lan  of  correspondence  would  be  more 
calculated  to  prevent  defection  from  the  banner  of  the 
Eeformation,  than  to  promote  it. 

The  Doctor  finally  recommends  the  principles  of  the 
treaty,  and  its  adoption  by  the  Synod,  by  three  most 
powerful  arguments :  A  sense  of  our  danger — the  moral 
imjprove^nents  of  the  ag&—and  the  lights  of  history. 

1.  "  The  Eeformed  Presbyterian  Church  is  in  great  dan- 
ger, at  this  crisis  of  the  moral  world."  This  danger  is  not 
from  the  sword  of  persecution.  The  greatest  danger  is  from 
ourselves.  "If  this  church,"  says  the  author,  "perish  in 
America  before  the  millennium,  its  death  is  inflicted  by 
its  own  Synod,"  Its  excellent  constitution,  its  well-defined 
principles  and  usages,  its  management,  "  and  interests,  are 
about  to  be  confided  to  another  generation  than  that  which 
laid  its  foundation,  and  raised  its  well-proportioned  super- 
structure." "Innovations,  inaction,  or  misguided  action 
may  inflict  a  mortal  malady.  The  name  may  linger,  but 
the  society,  in  either  case,  is  gone.  Its  economical  usages 
may,  by  mismanagement,  be  converted  into  its  distinguishing 
principles;  and  thus,  its  tithes  be  reduced  to  anise  and 
cumin;  and  its  best  principles  may  be  seized  by  their 
names,  and  so,  regardless  of  the  substance,  be  ridden  to 

23 


346  lEEMOIE    OF   ALEXANDER   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

contempt  by  men  wlio  never  comprehended  their  noble 
import.  Ambition  and  avarice,  as  well  as  ignorance, 
have  heretofore  made  a  hobby  of  the  name  of  Christian- 
ity itself."  Against  these  dangers  this  treaty  would  be 
a  preservative,  at  least,  partially,  for  half  a  century  to 
come,  in  these  well-restricted  articles,  which  would  keep 
continually  in  view  the  peculiar  principles,  and  morally 
compel  the  intelligent  to  act  upon  them. 

2.  The  great  moral  change  in  the  civilized  world,  as 
it  is  distinctly  made  in  the  nineteenth  century,  encourages 
to  such  an  enterprise. 

Amidst  all  the  unfavorable  symptoms  of  the  suppression 
of  the  revolutionary  spirit  in  despotic  countries,  the  restor- 
ation of  corrupt  and  wicked  dynasties,  the  re-establishment 
of  the  Papacy,  the  unholy  alliance  of  European  monarchs, 
&c.,  there  is  an  obvious  tendency  to  melioration.  The 
press,  and  the  extraordinary  sjDirit  of  enterprise,  have  won- 
derfully accelerated  the  march  of  mind,  and  are  rapidly 
advancing  the  moral  imj)rovement  of  our  race.  "  Many 
great  moral  principles  are  fixed  so  as  to  be  questionable 
no  more ;  that  civil  freedom  should  prevail ;  that  servi- 
tude is  evil ;  that  science  should  flourish ;  that  religion 
is  essential  to  society;  that  the  Bible  is  the  proper  stand- 
ard, and  is  to  be  placed  in  every  house  and  liand,  are 
almost  universally  admitted.  The  excitement  and  exer- 
tions of  religious  men,  in  every  land,  are  great ;  the  rights 
of  free  trade  are  better  understood,  and  the  conspicuous 
standing  of  the  American  confederation  of  republics,  fixes 
upon  itself,  as  an  example,  the  gaze  of  all  mankind.  It 
shows  that  man  may,  and  must  be  free." — "Here  the 
church  is  put  on  her  good  behavior,  under  the  protec- 
tion of  God,  in  the  sight  of  the  world,  and  in  the  midst 


C.1RI8TIANITY   TO   PREVAIL.  347 

of  lier  ancient  enemies — stripped,  however,  of  tlieir  former 
armor  and  ornaments,  and  nothing  left  to  either  party,  by 
the  constitution  of  the  government,  but  personal  protection 
and  liberty  of  enterprise  on  the  field  of  freedom.  Here 
we  see,  in  the  profession  of  Christianity,  the  representatives 
of  the  churches  of  all  the  nations.  There  are  remnants  and 
samples  of  all  the  heresies,  and  all  the  sectaries." 

"What  a  field  for  action  to  those  of  whose  creed  it  is  an 
article,  "That  religion  is  essential  to  the  welfare  of  this 
great  community,  and  that  trte  religion  is  the  same  over 
all  the  earth,  and  that  God  las  destined  Christianity  to 
prevail!"  By  what  proc'  J  of  operation  shall  all  these 
heterogeneous  elements  be  brought  to  a  uniform  con- 
sistence? By  what  plan  of  procedure  shall  the  entire 
system  of  our  free,  republican  institutions  receive  the 
impress  of  Christianity,  and  be  moulded  into  the  image 
of  divine  truth  ?  jSTot  by  a  reduction  to  original  elements, 
in  order  to  a  renovated  am<ilgamation ;  but  by  conference, 
and  calm  discussion,  ere  they  can  come  together,  as  one. 
"  They  must  travel  in  groups,  and  in  tribes,  in  regular  order, 
to  meet  cordially  under  the  banner  of  the  Prince  of  Judah, 
on  Mount  Zion,  and  salute  as  brethren," 

3.  "  To  rise  and  act,  is  urged  by  the  example  of  the 
Presbyte::ian  Eeformers."  The  church  acknowledges  her 
obligation  to  follow  the  footsteps  of  the  flock.  "The 
appointment  of  commissioners,  to  act  as  representatives,  in 
attendance  on  princes,  and  com*ts,  and  legislatures,  and  on 
convocations,  and  synods,  and  assemblies,  and  the  amicable 
reception  to  conference  of  such  as  were  delegated  to  their 
assemblies,  was  the  reasonable  and  the  habitual  practice  of 
the  Scottish  Covenanters,  from  the  time  of  their  first  embassy 
to  the  court  of  England,  until  the  mission  of  their  students 


34r8  MEMOIR   OF   ALEXANDER  MC  L^iOD,    D.D. 

to  the  classical  assemblies  of  Holland,  for  ordination  to  the 
ministry.  "Moreover,  the  terms  of  acclesiastical  commu- 
nion, in  the  Keformed.  Presbyteriaa  Chnrch,  bind,  her 
members,  severally  and  collectively,  to  the  use  of  such 
exertions,  to  the  extent  of  their  power;  and  these  obhgations 
are  often  brought  to  their  remembrance." 

The  Doctor  illustrates  this  position  by  specifying  the 
fourth  of  our  terms  of  communion,  in  which  are  mentioned 
two  remarkable  transactions :  firsts  the  National  Covenant,  of 
Scotland ;  second^  the  solerm  League  and  Covenant.  These 
instruments  were  offered  to  ill  classes  of  the  community. 
The  king's  commissioner,  Episv  opalians,  Presbyterians,  and 
Independents  subscribed  these  bonds  for  national  defence, 
and  "  To  hnng  the  churches  of  God,  in  the  three  kingdoms, 
to  the  nearest  conjunction  and  uniformity  in  religion,  and 
for  joropagating  the  same  to  other  natmis^  After  such  a 
mass  of  evidence  as  the  Doctor  has  accumulated  on  this 
subject,  it  is  difficult  to  conceive  how  any  reasonable  man 
can  withhold  assent. 

However  thoroughly  convinced  ^>octor  McLeod  himself 
was  of  the  truth,  propriety,  and  spt  ial  value  of  the  plan 
of  correspondence,  he  was  far  from  pressing  it  upon  any. 
In  reference  to  this,  he  says,  "I  urge  not,  however,  the 
adoption  of  this  course  of  policy.  Had  I  even  *!ie  power,  I 
would  not  dare  to  control  Synod  for  its  own  good.  A  favor 
is  not  to  be  conferred  by  compulsion.  If  the  j)lan  appears 
suitable  to  you,  it  will  be  adopted — if  otherwise,  it  will  be 
rejected.  K  the  articles  before  you,  displease  the  Synod,  I 
have  only  to  ask,  as  a  favor,  that  they  will  lay  the  entire 
blame  of  subscribing  them  in  joint  committee,  and  of  report- 
ing them  to  you,  upon  me,  and  upon  my  worthy  colleague. 
Te  oii]y  of  this  church  are  responsible  for  thom  to  the 


DR.    GREEN.  349 

present  and  succeeding  generations ;  and  for  tliis  apology  I 
am  individually  responsible." 

The  Doctor  tlius  concludes  this  excellent  address  : 

"  I  think  I  see  around  me  a  noble  band  of  witnesses.  Go, 
then,  over  all  the  land,  in  the  spirit  of  the  commission  to 
Jeremiah,  '  To  root  out  and  to  pull  down — to  build  and  to 
plant.'  Give  not  yourselves  up  entirely  to  the  use  of  the 
grubbing-hook,  though,  that  is,  at  times,  a  necessary  occupa- 
tion. Be  not  always  employed  in  dressing  the  shrubbery, 
however  ornamental.  Plant  the  vine ;  cultivate  the  olive  ; 
lay  hold  of  the  boughs  of  the  palm,  and  some  of  you  may 
see  what  I  shall  not  witness  on  earth — Jerusalem  a  quiet 
habitation — her  officers  jpea^e^  and  her  exacUyrs  righteousness. 
Amen,  and  Amen !" 

Should  this  skeleton  of  the  address  to  the  Synod  of  the 
Reformed  Presbyterian  Church  induce  any  reader  to 
procure  a  copy"  and  peruse  -the  whole,  the  writer  shall  have 
gained  his  object.  The  sir-ength,  the  perspicuity  and 
cogency  of  the  whole  argumej^it,  amount  to  demonstration. 

The  addrosp  ,  been  thus  noticed  by  the  venerable 
editor  of  the  f.STiAN  Apvoc^te,  the  Eev.  Dr.  Green,  in 
the  January  nmiber,  1828.  "  Most  of  our  readers,"  says 
the  editor,  "  will  not  need  to  be  informed,  that  this  address, 
one  of  the  most  powerful  we  have  ever  read — is  in  favor  of 
the  adoption  of  the  plan  of  correspondence  proposed  ;  and 
yet,  that  its  object  has  not  been  obtained.  This  we  do 
indeed  regret,  but  it  has,  nevertheless,  neither  destroyed  nor 
abated  our  affection  for  our  brethren  of  the  "  Synod  of  the 
Reformed  Presl)yterian  Church."  We  are  satisfied  that 
they  act  on  principle,  and  act  as  they  do,  because  they  are 
sincerely  desirous  to  maintain  the  doctrines  and  order  of  the 
Presbyterian  system,  in  their  integi-ity  and  purity.     For 


350  JMEMOm   OF   ALEXANDER   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

this  we  honor  and  love  them  ;  and  hesitate  not  to  sav,  that 
we  esteem  the  points  in  which  we  cannot  bnt  think  them 
unduly  scrupulous,  as  the  very  dust  of  the  balance,  in 
comparison  of  the  momentous  truths  which  they  steadfastly 
uphold.  These,  we  trust,  they  will  continue  to  hold  fast ; 
and  if  ever  they  and  we  should  be  more  closely  united,  we 
sincerely  wish  that  we  may  get  rid  of  at  least  as  much 
dross  as  they  may  be  called  to  purge  away."  Such  senti- 
ments do  honor  to  both  the  head  and  the  heart  of  the 
venerable  author.  Long  may  he  continue  an  able,  vigilant 
and  faithful  veteran  officer  under  his  master's  banner  ! 

Shortly  after  this  j)lan  of  correspondence  had  been  pro- 
posed, and  previously  to  the  composing  of  the  above- 
mentioned  address  in  its  favor.  Dr.  McLcod  was  visited  with 
a  most  distressing  affliction  in  his  family.  A  son,  his 
namesake,  a  lovely  boy,  a  favorite,  to  whom  he  was  greatly 
attached,  a  lad  of  great  promise,  by  accident,  or  design, 
received  a  blow  in  the  head  by  a  stick  cast  by  a  boy 
unknown,  from  the  opposite  side  of  the  fenr  adjacent  to  his 
father's  house.  The  wound  iv  *h,3  forehead^  '^^\s,  at  first,  not 
supposed  to  be  dangerous.  Tli6  symptoms  Lowever,  soon 
became  alarming.  Inflammation  of  the  bTa^n  succeeded ; 
and  on  the  last  of  February,  182Y,  he  was  numbered  with 
the  dead.  None  but  a  parent  can  enter  into,  or  appreciate 
the  feelings  of  a  parent,  on  such  an  event.  With  Dr. 
McLeod,  it  was  a  Jacob  and  Benjamin's  ease.  His  consti- 
tution, in  the  preceding  spring,  had  received  a  shock,  from 
which,  it  is  believed,  it  never  completely  recovered.  The 
death  of  his  beloved  son  Alexander,  together  with  bodily 
affliction,  had  brought  him  very  low,  and  confined  him  at 
home.    He  thus  replies  to  an  invitation  from  Philadelphia, 


A   PAINFUL   BEREAVEMENT.  351 

Febraaiy,  1S27.  "  Jolm  Niel  will  give  you  more  particulars 
uLout  our  state  and  our  trials,  in  convci-sation  with  you,  than 
I  can  by  a  note.  To  him  I  refer  you.  Whatever  be  my 
wishes,  I  will  not  promise  now  to  visit  Philadelphia  at 
Easter. 

"Though  here  bathed  much  of  my  time  in  tears,  and 
enduring  also  some  pain,  I  am  absent  from  my  people  ;  and 
it  will  be  weeks  before  I  can  call  at  their  houses,  to  see  the 
sick  or  the  well." 

John  Niel,  his  eldest  son  and  first-born,  had,  about  a  year 
previously,  graduated  in  Columbia  College,  New  York.  He 
was  of  fine  promise,  both  in  childhood  and  youth.  He  had 
from  his  birth,  by  his  father,  been  dedicated  to  the  work  of 
the  ministry  of  reconciliation,  with  fervent  prayer,  that  God 
would  tlius  dispose  his  heart,  and  by  his  grace  duly  qualify 
him  for  this  service.  In  a  letter,  dated  October  ITth,  1826, 
after  expressing  the  deep  interest  he  felt  in  the  success  of 
the  Theological  Seminary,  the  Doctor  thus  states,  "  My  son, 
John  Niel,  declared  to  me  on  "Wednesday  last,  his  self-dedi- 
cation to  the  ministry.  Twenty  years  before  that,  he  had 
been  dedicated  by  his  father.  I  was  prepared  for  the 
dedication  on  his  part,  though  I  was  careful  not  to  allow  my 
opinions,  even  indirectly,  to  influence  him.  He  will  go  to 
the  seminary  at  its  commencement ;  and  may  the  God  of 
his  fathers  give  him  grace  to  improve  his  opportunities." 

To  this  intimation  from  Dr.  McLeod,  Dr.  "Wylie  replied, 
"  "With  regard  to  John's  declaration,  you  are  aware,  I  was 
long  since  prepared  for  it.  It  is  a  note  of  thankfulness  in 
my  prayers.  John  Niel  rates  higher  in  my  estimation,  in 
talents,  })rudence,  and  nobility  of  mind,  than  anything  I 
had  anticij^ated ;  and  verily  my  anticipations  M'ere  not 
small.     I  rejoice  that  he  is  to  bo  with  us  at  the  seminary 


352  MEMOIR   OF   ALEXAOT)ER   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

this  winter."  He,  accordingly,  went  to  Philadelpliia,  and 
attended  to  tlie  duties  of  the  seminary  the  following  season. 
During  his  second  year's  attendance  he  had  been  called 
home  by  the  melancholy  event  above  related. 

This  young  man  having  completed  the  course  of  studies 
required  in  the  institution,  and  having  delivered  the  pieces 
of  trial  prescribed  by  Presbytery,  with  approbation, 
was  licensed  to  preach  the  everlasting  gospel,  by  the 
IsTorthern  Presbytery,  on  August  i,  1828.  Though  his 
talents  were  more  solid  than  showy,  he  preached  with  much 
acceptance  to  our  vacancies  through  which  he  itinerated. 
Though  Dr.  McLeod  made  no  remarks  respecting  his  son, 
he  could  not  but  be  gratified  with  his  reception  by  the 
public.  The  approbation  of  such  judges  as  Dr.  James  R. 
Willson  could  not  fail  to  please.  This  gentleman  thus 
writes  from  Coldenham,  22d  October,  1828J:  "  I  attended  Dr. 
McMaster's  sacrament,  on  last  Sabbath  two  weeks.  He 
had  Cooper,  Fisher,  and  John  !Niel.  They  all  preached  to 
acceptance.  Everybody  loves  Cooper.  Fisher  exceeded 
our  expectations;  and  the  old  Scotchmen  say  that  John 
Kiel  preaches  better  than  his  father  did  when  he  began.  I 
doubt  that.  But  he  does  promise  great  things."  By 
another  letter  from  the  same  gentleman,  dated  December 
20th,  he  states,  that  "  John  Niel,  at  the  sacrament  (Dr. 
McLeod's),  preached  one  sermon.  It  was,  in  all  respects, 
truly  excellent,  and  unusual  for  one  of  twenty-two  years  of 
age."  This  young  man  was  some  short  time  afterwards 
called  to,  and  settled  in,  a  congregation  in  Galway  and 
Milton,  Saratoga  county,  Kew  York. 


SEVEKE   LABOKS.  353 


CHAPTEE    XY. 

1830. 

From  the  meeting  of  Sjnod  in  1827,  until  liis  sailing  for  Scotland,  in  1830. 

Although,  during  the  interval  between  tlie  last  two  meet- 
ings of  Synod,  the  chnrch  had  been  extending  her  borders 
and  increasing  her  numbers,  the  affairs  of  the  Theologi- 
cal Seminary  began  to  languish ;  as  our  numbers  increased, 
contributions  to  its  support  seemed  to  decrease.  Tliis 
inverse  proportion  can  be  explained.  Many,  nay,  most 
of  the  congregations  lately  organized,  were  rather  skele- 
tons of  congi-egations,  and,  on  their  obtaining  ministerial 
settlement,  foimd  all  the  exertions  they  could  make  were 
scarcely  adequate  to  the  support  of  their  own  pastor. 
The  ministers  aware  of  this,  it  may  not  be  unreasonable 
to  suppose,  were  less  urgent  in  pressing  them  for  pecu- 
niary aid  to  the  Seminary.  At  the  last  meeting  of 
Synod,  it  became  extinct,  and  the  students  were  recom- 
mended "  to  prosecute  their  studies,  where  they  could  best 
find  the  means  of  instruction." 

The  labora  of  Dr.  McLeod  were,  in  the  meantime, 
becoming  more  extensive  and  arduous.  Tlie  multij^li- 
cation  of  congregations  was,  to  him,  a  multiplication 
of  toil.  After  the  meeting  of  Synod,  he  assisted  Mr. 
Gibson    in    the    dispensation    of    the    sacrament    of    the 


354  MEMOm   OF   ALEXANDER   MCLEOD,    D.D 


SujDjDer,  in  Paterson,  ]^ew  Jersey,  wliere  the  old  gentle- 
man had  been  for  some  time  located.  He  visited  Gal- 
way,  and  dispensed  ordinances  to  the  people  there.  He 
still  continued  instant,  in  season  and  out  of  season,  to 
a  degree  too  severe  upon  his  enfeebled  constitution.  He 
and  Doctor  Wylie  had  been  projecting  a  visit  to  the 
Canadas,  but  were  obliged  to  postpone  until  a  future  oppor- 
tunity. In  the  month  of  June,  in  this  year,  he  gave 
in  marriage,  his  eldest  daughter,  Margaret  Ann,  to  the 
Reverend  Mr.  James  R.  Johnston,  pastor  of  the  Reformed 
Presbyterian  congregation  in  ]^ewburg.  This  union  was 
agreeable  to  all  parties.  Mr.  Johnston  was  a  gentleman 
of  very  respectable  talents  and  cultivated  mind,  and  an 
excellent  preacher. 

In  the  beginning  of  the  following  winter,  to  obviate 
some  statements  from  a  certain  pulpit  in  Philadelphia,  as 
mitrue  as  they  were  ungenerous,  Doctor  Wylie  requested 
the  Doctor  to  furnish  him  with  documents  for  this  purpose. 
The  statement  was  this  :  "  That  Doctor  McLeod,  having 
in  his  exposition  of  the  Apocalypse,  apj)lied  some  impor- 
tant predictions  to  ISTapoleon  Bonaparte,  and  finding  his 
application  confuted  by  the  downfall  of  that  hero,  stopped 
the  press,  cancelled  the  passage,  and  reconstructed  it  in 
accommodation  to  the  facts  that  had  transpired."  The 
Doctor's  reply  in  the  following  letter,  may  not  be  unac- 
ceptable to  the  friends  of  truth  and  fair  dealing. 

"  New  Yoke,  I7ih  Bee,  1827. 

"  Rev.  AND  Deae  Sir  : — 

"Your  favor  of  the  llth  instant  came 
to  hand  on  the  I'ith,  and  lies  now  before  me.  It  inti- 
mates to   me    that   the    old    libel   on   the    'Lectures    on 


CALUMNY   REFUTED.  355 

Propliecy,'  in  reference  to  Bonaparte,  lias  been  recently 
revived  in  Philadelphia,  and  yon  add,  'I  wish  you  to 
write  me  a  negative  under  your  own  hand.'  I  know, 
that  in  expressing  such  a  wish,  you  were  aware  that  if  I 
took  any  notice  at  all  of  that  silly  slander,  I  must  wi-ite 
a  negative ;  at  your  request  I  will  do  so,  however  irk- 
some, otherwise,  would  have  been  the  condescension. 

"  The  story  is,  that  after  the  downfall  of  Bonaparte,  I 
caused  to  be  destroyed  some  printed  sheets  of  my  discourses 
on  the  Eevelation,  which  flattered  the  Emperor  of  France, 
which  it  would  have  been  absurd  to  publish  after  his 
fall. 

"  For  this  story,  or  anything  like  it,  there  is  not  the  least 
foundation  in  truth.  When  my  lectures  Avere  delivered, 
Bonaparte  was  in  the  zenith  of  his  power  and  military 
glory  ;  when  they  were  printed  and  published,  his  reverses 
were  not  known  in  America:  and  my  volume  was  for 
several  months  before  the  world,  previously  to  the  news  of 
his  doAvnfall  having  reached  ISTew  York.  It  would  have 
required  a  prophet  to  foresee  the  ruin  of  that  great  general 
at  the  very  time  the  combined  powers  of  Europe  were 
offering  him  a  treaty  for  the  perpetual  establishment  of  his 
d}Tiasty  on  the  throne  of  France.  I  am  only  an  expositor  of 
prophecy  as  fulfilled,  and  without  pretensions  to  such  extra- 
ordinary sagacity.  How  the  report  of  my  having  changed 
my  opinions  of  the  famed  conqueror  had  its  origin,  and 
with  what  design,  I  do  not  know ;  but  it  is  certain,  that  he 
who  believes  the  report,  is  unacquainted  with  the  whole 
tenor  of  my  exposition  of  the  Apocalypse.  The  tendency  of 
that  work  is,  to  correct  the  mistakes  of  those  expositors  who 
attached  too  much  importance  to  that  man's  unparalleled 
career.      Among  the  clergy,  he  had,  in  different  nations. 


356         MEMOIR  OF  ALEXANDER  MCLEOD,  D.D. 

some,  by  far  too  partial  to  liis  plans ;  and  others,  hurried 
by  prejudice,  in  favor  of  his  antagonists,  to  the  opposite 
extreme.  It  is  no  wonder.  This  comparatively  humble 
Corsican  rose  high  in  the  whirlwind  of  the  French  revolu- 
tion, to  an  exaltation  above  the  old  thrones  of  kingdoms ; 
at  the  shaking  of  his  spear,  millions  admired,  and  millions 
trembled ;  and  all  the  world  was  astonished  at  the  success 
of  his  comprehensive  plans  of  ambition.  For  more  than 
twenty  years,  he  fixed  upon  himself  the  gaze  of  the  nations ; 
and  almost  every  public  interest  was,  somehow,  drawn  into 
the  vortex  of  the  revolution  which  he  headed.  During  all 
that  time  I  beheld  him,  without  fear,  and  without  the  least 
degree  of  complacency,  otherwise  than  as  a  notable  instru- 
ment in  the  hand  of  my  God  to  inflict  his  judgments.  I 
never  uttered  from  the  pulpit  or  the  press,  a  sentiment  con- 
cerning him  or  his  achievements,  which  I  now  see  cause  to 
abandon.  On  the  contrary,  ISTapoleon  Bonaparte  stands,  to 
day,  in  my  estimation,  as  high  as  he  did  when  he  marched 
in  the  midst  of  his  victories,  into  the  abandoned  Moscow, 
and  heard  the  triumphs  of  his  companions  in  battle  amidst 
the  conflagrations  of  the  Kremlin. 

"  True,  I  endeavored  to  explain  from  the  predictions  of 
prophecy,  and  the  events  of  Providence,  the  notice  which 
the  Christian  Church  should  take  of  the  wars  of  Europe,  and 
the  design  of  heaven  in  permitting  them.  I  did  anticipate, 
from  the  excitement  which  these  wars  and  contendings  gave 
to  the  human  mind,  and  from  the  revolutionary  spirit  which 
they  cherished,  results  ultimately  ftivorable  to  liberty  and 
religion,  as  well  as  destructive  to  superstition  and  despotism. 
I  am  not  disappointed.  The  view  which  I  have  taken  of 
the  convulsions  of  other  nations,  and  of  our  own  second  War 
of  Independence,  is  now  illustrated  satisfactorily,  by  the 


BONAPAETE.  357 

peace  of  several  years ;  and  I  still  gladly  contemplate  the 
marcli  of  freedom  and  of  truth ;  of  genius  and  of  enterprise, 
over  tlie  nations  of  the  earth. 

"  I  will  add,  that  the  entire  manuscript  of  my  discourses 
on  prophecy,  is  preserved  ;  and  not  a  sentiment  altered  in 
the  progi-ess  of  the  work  through  the  press.  IS'ot  even  a 
sentence  remains  unprinted,  except  in  the  last  half-sheet. 
For  the  sake  of  economy,  the  printer  himself  suggested  the 
propriety,  if  possible,  of  contracting  within  that  half-sheet^ 
matter  that  would,  otherwise,  have  extended  to  a  page  and 
a  half  more.  The  contraction  was  readily  effected  by  sub- 
stituting a  reference  to  chapter  and  verse,  for  very  long 
passages  of  Scripture ;  and  by  compressing  the  argument, 
without  affecting  the  meaning. 

"]^ot  a  single  thought  relative  to  the  late  Emperor  of 
France  has  ever  been  altered  or  supju-essed,  in  the  printin"- 
or  publishing  of  my  Lectures  on  the  Revelation. 

"  Yours,  with  great  respect,  esteem  and  love, 

"  A.  McL." 

The  next  meeting  of  Synod,  held  in  Philadelphia,  August 
6,  1828,  was  opened  with  a  sermon  by  the  Eev.  Dr. 
McMaster,  on  the  subject  of  Covenanting.  The  text  was 
from  Isaiah,  Ixii.  4:  "Thou  shalt  no  longer  be  termed 
Forsaken,  neither  shall  thy  land  any  more  be  turned  deso- 
late;  but  thou  shalt  be  called  Ilephzibah,  and  thy  land 
Bculah,  for  the  Lord  delightcth  in  thee,  and  thy  laud  shall 
be  married."  Tlie  discourse  delivered  on  this  text,  was 
uncommonly  interesting  and  appropriate.  As  a  paper  from 
New  Athens  had  been,  on  a  former  occasion,  presented  to 
Synod,  containing,  among  other  things,  a  request,  that  the 
Synod  should  furnish  the  petitioners  with  reasons  which 


358         MEMOIR  OF  ALEXANDER  MCLEOD,  D.D. 

may  repel  tlie  reproaches  cast  ■upon  the  cliiirch  on  account 
of  tlieir  "  unfreqnency  of  public  covenanting ;"  and  as  Dr. 
McMaster,  tlie  author  of  this  discoui'se,  was  the  chairman  of 
the  Committee  of  Discipline,  to  which  that  paper  was 
referred,  the  report  of  that  committee  is  here  presented. 

"  Your  committee  respectfully  remark,  that  the  noncon- 
currence  of  the  civil  state  is  not,  and  never  was,  an  obstacle 
in  our  way,  of  covenanting ;  that  the  allegation  is  equally 
unfounded,  that  the  express  terms  and  forms  of  our  vene- 
rable Covenants  are  viewed  as  necessary  to  be  retained  in 
om'  Covenant  bond  when  renewed.  The  doctrine  and 
practice  of  this  church,  at  all  times,  refutes  such  repre- 
sentations. 

"  Your  committee  beg  leave  further  to  remark,  that  the 
ill-advised  urging  of  frequent  renewal  of  covenant  deeds, 
seems  to  be  predicated  upon  a  latent,  if  not  an  avowed 
denial,  of  the  perpetual  obligation  of  such  deeds;  and 
manifests  a  disregard  of  the  import  of  an  habitual  recog- 
nition of  such  obligation,  in  the  usual  course  of  ecclesi- 
astical administrations. 

"  The  principles  of  the  man  would  be  little  valued,  and 
his  act  would  be  scorned,  who,  every  time  he  paid  the 
interest  on  his  legally  executed  bond,  in  proof  of  his  inte- 
grity, and  to  bind  himself  more  firmly,  should  insist  upon 
giving  an  added  engagement  and  renewed  subscription. 
We  are  admonished  by  the  partial  and  imtimely  covenant- 
ing of  some  who  have  attempted  it,  not  to  rush  upon  this 
very  solemn  subject." 

At  this  meeting  of  Synod,  Dr.  McLeod  appeared  only  as 
an  alternate. 


COLONIZATION.  859 

Some  resolutions,  introduced  at  this  meeting  by  the  Rev. 
Hugh  McMillan,  on  the  colonisation  qiiestion,  require  par- 
ticular notice. 

On  the  introduction  of  these  resolutions,  the  Eev.  Dr. 
McLeod  made  a  speech,  containing  a  history  of  facts,  sug- 
gestions, and  observations,  connected  with  the  origin  and 
progress  of  the  Colonization  Society,  of  the  most  important 
character.  He  was  listened  to  with  uncommon  interest  and 
attention.  The  memorialist,  to  this  day,  regrets  the  fact  of 
his  having  been  necessarily  absent  on  that  occasion.  Eut, 
by  his  brethren  who  were  present,  he  was  informed  of  its 
more  than  ordinary  importance.  By  their  testimony,  the 
plan  of  Colonization  is  shown  to  have  originated  with  Dr. 
McLeod,  and  was  by  him  communicated  in  conversation  to 
Dr.  Finley,  of  New  Jersey,  by  whom,  with  others,  it  was 
brought  into  public  notice. 

The  scheme  is  magnitudinous,  and  fraught  with  divers 
most  important  interests,  civil  and  religious.  Since  the 
discovery  of  America,  and  the  Ileformation  by  Luther, 
there  has  been  no  event,  in  the  opinion  of  the  writer, 
pregnant  with  more  important  consequences,  involvino- 
the  melioration — the  i)resent  and  eternal  happiness  of 
millions  ready  to  perish,  not  only  now,  but  in  all  their 
successive  generations.  It  commands,  or  ought  to  com- 
mand, the  regard  and  tlie  aid  of  every  philanthropist. 

The  Synod  unanimously  adopted  the  following  resolutions  : 

"  liesolved — ^That  this  Synod  view  with  approbation  the 
constitution  and  plan  of  the  American  Colonization  Society, 
for  restoring  free  persons  of  color  to  the  land  of  their  fathers, 
and  as  justly  deserving  the  support  of  the  Christian  and  the 
patriot. 


360  MEMOIR   OF   ALEXANDEE   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

^^Besolvecl — ^That  Synod  recommend  the  American  Colon- 
ization Society  to  tlie  members  of  tliis  clinrcli  for  tlieir  con- 
scientious support ;  and  that  the  emancipation  of  slaves,  as 
maintained  by  the  Testimony,  and  practised  by  this  church, 
be  accompanied  in  all  cases,  not  contrary  to  the  will  of  the 
emancipated,  with  a  removal  from  the  United  States,  to 
such  place  or  places  as  the  emancipated  shall  choose. 

^'' Besolvecl — ^That  a  copy  of  the  above  resolutions  be 
transmitted  to  the  Secretary  of  the  American  Coloniza- 
tion Society,  by  the  Clerk  of  Synod." 

The  following  year  presented  to  Doctor  McLeod,  and 
some  of  his  friends,  certain  providential  occurrences,  pain- 
ful indeed,  yet  not  without  vicissitudes  of  pleasure.  The 
Doctor's  active  mind  was  very  laudably  employed  in  a 
scheme  more  eflectually  to  extend  the  church,  and  accmmo- 
date  the  localities  of  a  considerable  portion  of  his  con- 
gregation. Chambers  street,  the  location  of  his  church, 
and  Greenwich  village,  as  it  was  then  called,  were  con- 
siderably distant  from  each  other.  With  the  concurrence  of 
the  Doctor,  a  few  of  the  spirited  men  in  the  congrega- 
tion had  purchased  a  church — a  frame  building,  as  also  a 
lot  of  ground  for  its  site.  They  had  been  at  considerable 
expense  in  getting  it  fitted  and  rendered  commodious 
for  public  worship.  Tlie  congregation  was  strong  both  in 
numbers  and  in  wealth ;  and  the  friends  of  the  movement 
looked  forward  either  to  a  distinct  organization,  or  to  a  col- 
legiate change  in  connection  with  their  venerable  pastor. 

"  The  location  of  tliis  church  was  in  Sixth  street,  a  little 
"West  of  the  Sixth  Avenue.  On  February  10th,  1829,  the 
Doctor  writes :  Although  I  could  not  enjoy  the  pleasure 
of  seeing  you  in  Philadelphia,  I  entertain  some  hopes  of 


I 


NEW    ORGANIZATIOX.  361 

seeing  you  in  New  York,  in  the  mouth  of  April.  I  accord- 
ingly request  you  to  occupy  the  Sixth  street  church  on 
the  29th  of  April,  first  Sahbath  after  Easter,  in  order  to 
give  you  a  little  time  in  this  place,  and  afford  me  more  of 
your  fellowship.  -  •*  *  •-  -  -  ••  "^  Your  advice 
to  our  people  about  the  form  and  organization  for  a  second 
church,  which  ought  not  to  be  long  postponed  after  the 
Sacrament,  will  be  desirable  to  all  concerned;  and  the 
intermediate  week  will  furnish  an  opportunity  for  giving 
it  before  you  preach  in  the  new  church.  *  '^'  ""  ^* 
AVill  you  have  the  goodness  to  write  to  me,  in  the  mean- 
time, on  the  subject.  Meanwhile,  I  shall  earnestly  pray  the 
Lord  whom  we  serve,  to  put  it  into  your  heart,  and  into 
your  power,  to  visit  us  in  Kew  York,  at  a  time  which 
must  be  an  interesting  crisis  in  our  ecclesiastical  affaira. 
"  With  compliments  to  all  the  family, 

"  I  am,  very  dear  brother, 

"  Yours  in  the  Gospel, 

"A.  McL." 

It  need  scarcely  be  observed,  that  delicacy  would 
prevent  the  publicity  of  such  kind  partialities  on  the 
part  of  a  friend,  were  not  at  least  some  of  the  feebler 
of  such  effusions  of  the  heart  necessary  to  be  exhibited, 
as  essential  ingredients  in  the  development  of  the  character 
under  consideration.  Doctor  McLeod  was  all  head — he 
was  all  heart.  Tlie  tithe,  even  of  the  more  diluted  kind 
expressions  of  feeling  cannot,  ought  not,  to  be  profaned  by 
public  ex2)osure. 

AVhile  the  erection  of  the  Sixth  street  clnirch  M'as  of 
fair  promise,  and  presented  a  wider  field  for  cultivation,  it 
also  opened  a  door  for  flinging  the  apple  of  discord.     It 

24 


362         MEMOm  OF  ALEXANDER  MCLEOD,  D.D. 

was  no  sooner  organized  than  it  became  tlie  rallying 
point  of  disorder.  Aspiring  men,  and  there  are  snch  in  all 
communities,  desired  to  Lecome  the  pastor  of  the  Sixth 
street  church — to  be  located  in  New  York,  the  great  com- 
mercial emporium — to  rival,  nay,  to  eclipse  the  great 
Doctor  McLeod.  A  little  spice  of  adulation  increased  the 
excitement.  Pity,  that  such  talents  should  be  buried  in 
obscurity ! — that  such  eloquence  should  be  lost  in  the 
woods! — such  choice  flowers  "waste  their  fragrance  on 
the  desert  air."  I^o,  jS'ew  York  presents  a  proper  field 
for  the  display  of  superior  talent.  Tims  the  prize  was 
estimated,  and  the  competitors  entered  the  lists.  The 
manoBUYering  thus  employed,  resulted  in  animosities  and 
jealousies  between  the  two  congregations,  and  attempts  to 
alienate  afi'ection  from  Dr.  McLeod.  Tlie  people  were 
honest  generally,  and  much  attached  to  their  pastor,  and  the 
men  who  projected  the  second  organization,  and  who  con- 
tributed most  to  it,  were  still  his  unwavering  friends. 
Still  evil  had  been  done,  Mdiicli  was  not  easily  repaired. 
A  wound  had  been  inflicted  which  could  not  soon  be  healed. 
Doctor  McLeod's  comfort  was  much  affected,  and  this 
unhappy  business  issued  in  a  temporary  separation  between 
him  and  his  people,  as  will  hereafter  appear. 

It  has  been  already  stated,  that  on  the  erection  of  the 
new  church,  it  had  not  been  determined  whether  an  entire 
separation  or  a  collegiate  change  should  be  adopted.  The 
jealousies  excited  by  extraneous  influence,  and  the  mutual 
collisions  between  the  two  establishments,  soon  settled 
that  point.  The  second  church  received  a  distinct  organi- 
zation. 

In  the  meantime,  the  congregation  of  Galway,  in  which 
his  father  had  resided  some  time  when  a  student  of  theo- 


GALWAY.  363 

logy,  made  out  a  call  upon  his  son  to  become  their  pastor. 
On  June  20,  1S20,  Doctor  McLeod  says,  by  letter,  "Mr. 
Stewart  moderated  a  call  from  Galway,  which  is  sustained 
in  Albany.  It  is  for  John  Kiel,  who  is  now  on  his  way  to 
the  West,  by  Buftalo  and  Niagara.  As  yet,  he  does  not 
know  the  fact."  The  Doctor  adds,  "What  about  the 
northern  tour?  When  you  fix  the  time  let  me  kuow,  that  I 
may  be  ready."  This  trip  through  Canada  had  been  long 
in  contemplation.  Circumstances,  which  could  not  be 
controlled,  had  hitherto  induced  its  postponement  from  year 
to  year.  In  a  former  letter,  the  Doctor  says,  "  I  adopt  yom* 
plan  of  the  Canada  expedition,  and  will  strive  to  persuade 
Dr.  Black:  yet,  if  that  contingency  should  fail,  I  should 
like  to  make  the  tour." 

In  the  month  of  July  of  this  year.  Dr.  Wylie  had  been 
visited  with  a  severe  affliction  in  his  family — the  sudden 
death  of  a  lovely  daughter,  just  blooming  into  womanhood. 
Tlie  stroke  was  heavily  felt  by  the  whole  family  ;  but  it  was 
the  will  of  God.  Duty  said,  "  Hold  your  peace."  Yet 
everything  about  home  looked  gloomy.  Death  had  invaded 
the  family  circle — a  lovely  blossom  was  numbered  anion"- 
his  troi)hic8.  Amidst  these  distresses.  Dr.  Black,  from 
Pittsburg,  and  Mr.  J.  IST.  McLeod,  from  his  western  mis- 
sion, arrive  at  Dr.  Wylie's  lonely,  sorrowful  mansion. 
How  soothing  the  voice  of  friendship)  I  aye,  of  such  friend- 
ship !  In  company  with  these  two  dear  and  valued  friends, 
the  whole  family  leave  home,  set  out  for  Xew  York,  and 
proceed  immediately  to  the  hosj>itable  mansion  of  Dr. 
McLeod.  What  a  meeting !  But  description  of  it  shall  not 
be  attempted.  Suffic'e  it  to  say,  that  the  balm  of  genuine 
unaffected  friendship  was  liberally  administered. 

In  the  beginning  of  the  succeeding  week,  the  partv,  con- 


364  MEMOIK   OF   ALEXANDEE   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

sisting  of  Dr.  Black  and  Dr.  McLeod,  Avitli  Dr.  Wylie  and 
his  whole  family,  started  for  Albany,  where  ihej  remained 
until  the  following  day.     Drs.  Black  and  Wylie,  and  part  of 
the  family  of  the  latter,  in  company  with  Dr.  McMaster, 
who  had  joined  the  party  in  Albany,  took  the  stage,  and 
arrived  that  evening  at  Dnanesburg,  where  they  received 
a  cheering  welcome  at  the  Doctor's  hospitable  mansion. 
Nothing   could   exceed   the    kindness,   the   sympathy,   the 
polite  and  delicate  attentions  of  that  most  amiable  family. 
The  remainder  of  the  week  was  filled  up  with  the  utile  and 
the  dulce,  in  pretty   judicious  mixture.     In  a  word,  this 
short  visit — for  verily  it  seemed  short — was  both  pleasant 
and  profitable.     The  conversation  with  the  Doctor  and  his 
very   intelligent   and   amiable   lady,   was    interesting   and 
instructive.     On  the  Sabbath,  Drs.  Black  and  Wylie  occu- 
pied the  pulpit  of  their  kind  host,  and  preached  to  a  very 
respectable  congregation.     On  Monday,  they,  in  company 
with   Dr.    McMaster,   rejoined   Dr.    McLeod   at   Saratoga, 
whither  he  had  proceeded  on  the  preceding  week,  for  the 
benefit  of  its  mineral  waters.     Here  also  were  assembled 
several   of  the  junior  branches   of  their  families.     With 
these  and  with  Dr.  McMaster — the  want  of  whose  company 
on  the  expedition  was  much  regretted  by  all — they  parted 
on  next  morning  in  the  stage  for  Caldwell,  on  the  head  of 
Lake  George.     There  they* spent  that  night ;  and  there,  after 
long  and  earnest  conversation,  on  the  necessity  of  estab- 
lishing a  public   periodica],  as   a  vehicle   of  intelligence, 
under  the  direction  and  control  of  Synod,  for  the  dissemi- 
nation  of  sound   principles.  Dr.   McLeod  was,  at  length, 
prevailed  upon  to  consent  to  become  its  conductor. 

To  describe  the  beauties  of  Lake  George,  the  translucence 
of  its  waters,  the   uniformity  and  variety  of  its  winding 


LAKE    GEORGE.  365 

shores,  tlie  boldness  of  its  jutting  promontories,  the  softness 
of  its  scenery,  tlie  variety  of  vegetation,  mantling  with  its 
verdure  even  the  loftiest  summits  of  its  rocky  cliffs,  the 
abundance  and  variety  of  excellent  fish,  which  gaml)ol  in 
its  liquid  bosom,  displaying  their  golden  tints  and  silvery 
brightness  to  an  astonishing  depth,  in  the  clear  limpid 
wave,  would  require  a  more  graphic  pen  than  the  writer  of 
this  memoir  ever  pretended  to  wield.  He  will  therefore 
content  himself  with  merely  transcribing  from  Dr.  McLeod's 
hasty  journal,  made  by  the  way. 

"  On  Wednesday  we  went  down  Lake  George,  and  having 
examined  the  ruins  of  Ticonderoga,  passed  over  Lake 
Champlain  to  A^ermont,  and  rode  that  evening  to  the 
beautiful  village  of  Middlebury,  the  seat  of  a  college,  in  a 
flourishing  condition.  On  Thursday,  we  rode  through  the 
city  of  Yergennes  to  Burlington,  and  there,  at  night,  took 
the  steamboat  Franklin,  going  to  St.  John's  in  Canada, 
whither  Ave  safely  arrived  to  breakfast,  on  Friday,  14tli 
August.  After  passing  over  to  La  Prairie,  and  into 
Montreal,  that  same  night  found  us  on  board  the  Kichelieu, 
on  our  way  to  the  far-famed  city  of  Quebec. 

"  Saturday,  15th  August,  we  found  ourselves  in  the 
bosom  of  the  majestic  St.  Lawrence,  each  side  studded  with 
handsome,  though  old-fashioned  and  stationary  Canadian 
villages,  each  with  its  church,  and  tinned  roof  and  cupola, 
glittering  in  the  sunbeams ;  and  we  landed  in  Quebec  as 
the  light  of  day  began  to  yield  to  the  lamps  which  glittered 
among  the  winding,  steep,  and  narrow  streets  of  the  great 
city  of  British  America. 

Tlie  Sabbath  was  to  ns  a  day  of  rest,  more  than  when  at 
home,  in  our  own  cities,     Monday  was  with  us  a  busy  day  ; 


366         MEMOIR  OF  ALEXANDER  MCLEOD,  D.D. 

and  after  seeing  everything  of  note,  and  visiting  the  Falls 
of  Montmorency,  we  were  prepared  to  set  out  on  our  return 
voyage. 

"  "Wednesday  was  spent  in  Montreal ;  Thursday  between 
that  city  and  St.  John's ;  and  at  one  o'clock,  we  were  aboard 
the  Franklin,  on  Lake  Champlaiii,  Friday  the  21st  of  the 
month.  "We  landed  at  Whitehall  on  Saturday  morning. 
Drs.  Black  and  "Wylie  set  out  in  the  Argyle  stage,  to  join  in 
the  communion  of  the  Supper  of  our  Lord,  with  the  Kev.  J. 
W.  Stewart,  the  minister  of  that  place.  On  Sabbath  we 
worshiped  with  the  Galway  congregation. 

"  On  "Wednesday,  26th,  we  joined  our  friends  in  Albany, 
came  down  on  board  the  JSTorth  America,  and  again  entered 
my  house  before  nine  o'clock  that  same  night.  Drs.  Wylie 
and  Black  conducted  the  public  worship  of  the  Sabbath, 
Angust  30th,  and  on  Tuesday,  Sept.  1st,  they  set  off  towards 
home  in  the  Dispatch  for  Philadelphia. 

"  I  have  rarely  been  two  weeks  in  succession,  for  thirty 
years,  since  I  began  to  preach,  without  blowing  the  gospel 
trumpet  somewhere,  and  never  before,  except  in  case  of 
sickness,  four  Sabbaths  together  a  hearer  only.  My  own 
heart  has  been  comforted,  however,  and  also  my  congrega- 
tion, by  the  varieties  to  which  they  have  had  access,  but  I 
love  to  return  to  my  work." 

It  has  been  already  mentioned,  that  the  Doctor's  son, 
John  Kiel,  had  received  a  call  from,  the  congregation  in 
Galway.  This  call  he  accepted,  and  in  the  month  of 
December  following,  was  ordained  to  the  office  of  the  holy 
mhiistry.  Many  of  the  congregation  in  Greenwich  were 
very  desirous  of  possessing  Mr.  McLeod  as  their  pastor ;  but 
he  soon  perceived  in  their  true  light  the  state  of  things  in 


OEDINATION    SEKMOJST.  367 

that  new  erection,  and  prudently  declined  any  connection 
or  interference. 

The  Doctor  presided  at  the  ordination.  The  sermon,  as 
represented  by  some  of  the  judges  present,  was  excellent. 
In  delivering  the  charge  to  the  people,  on  recollecting  the 
portion  of  his  youthful  days  spent  among  those  plain, 
honest,  godly  people,  the  associations  which  arose  in  his 
mind,  on  now  settling  his  son  among  them,  cpiite  over- 
powered him.  After  stating  his  knowledge  of  them,  and 
his  happiness  among  them,  in  days  of  other  years,  he  said : 
"  I  give  you  my  son."  But  let  an  eye-witness  give  the 
account.  He  says  :  "  You  will  have  heard  of  Mr.  J.  1^. 
McLeod's  ordination.  The  father  preached  a  great 
sermon.  The  address  to  the  minister  and  people  was  the 
shortest  that  I,  or  perhaps  any  one  else,  ever  heard ;  but  the 
eifect  was  probably  as  great  as  was  ever  witnessed.  The 
Presbytery,  the  preacher,  the  pastor,  and  almost  the  whole 
of  a  large  congregation,  were  in  tears.  The  words,  "  not 
onl}^  a  son,  but  a  brother,"  deeply  affected  all.  And  when, 
in  a  few  sentences  after,  it  was  added,  "  You  were  dedicated 
to  this  work  before  you  could  know  it,  and  as  soon  as  I  first 
heard  j'our  voice,"  sympathy  with  the  strong  feelings  of 
the  speaker  melted  the  whole  audience.  There  was, 
perhaps,  a  minute's  silence.  To  the  congregation  he  said, 
and  could  command  composure  to  say  little  more  than,  "  I 
have  long  known  you,  and  wished  you  well.  I  now  give 
you  my  son."  The  writer  piously  adds,  "  God  grant  that 
he  may  be  a  blessing  to  them,  and  that  they  may  use  him 
well." 

Dr.  McLeod  would,  no  doubt,  have  been  pleased  to  have 
his  own  son  associated  with  him  in  the  city  of  New  York. 
But  it  was  otherwise  determined ;  and  he  bowed  submission 


368  MEMOIK   OF   AXrEXAJSTDEE   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

to  the  wise  arrangements  of  Divine  Providence.  That, 
liovrever,  wliicli  was  prevented  tlien,  was  afterwards  accom- 
plished. God,  in  his  ov/n  time,  and  hy  ways  most  nnex- 
pected,  gave  the  son  to  the  father  as  an  assistant  and 
snccessor,  and  in  the  okl  mother  church  he  remains  to 
the  present  moment.  Dr.  McLeod,  in  the  meantime,  resolved 
to  visit  the  land  of  his  fathers,  and  prepared  to  sail  for 
Europe.  On  the  1st  February,  1830,  Dr.  McLeod  wrote  as 
follows : 

"  Kev.  and  Dear  Beothek  : — ■ 

"  I  shall  have  a  troublesome  week,  according 
to  the  plan  before  me.  I  intend  to  commit  myself  to  the 
George  Canning,  Captain  Allyn,  to  sail  for  Liverpool,  and 
revisit  the  land  of  my  fathers.  From  Liverpool,  my  inten- 
tion is,  to  take  the  readiest  conveyance  to  L-eland,  and 
thence  to  the  Hebrides,  by  the  way  of  Greenock.  I  wish  to 
see  my  sisters  and  their  children ;  to  see  the  ministers  of  the 
judicatories  of  our  churches,  on  both  sides  of  St.  George's 
Channel,  and  meet  you  in  ISTew  York  or  Philadelphia,  in  the 
end  of  July. 

"  I  have  offered  the  resignation  of  my  charge,  and  it  is 
accepted,  by  a  congregational  meeting.  I  found  no  means 
of  reclaiming  things  to  order.  I  leave  them  to  pursue  dis- 
order, ad  UUtmn.  A  letter  from  you  will  bo  refreshing 
ere  I  go ;  any  communications  or  introductions  to  friends 
abroad,  I  shall  highly  appreciate. 

"  Give  my  cordial  respects,  at  your  convenience,  to  the 
beloved  Philadelphians,  with  whom  I  have  so  recently 
enjoyed  the  solemnities  of  the  sanctuary,  and  domestic  kind- 
ness ;  but  above  all,  to  your  dear  family.  Brother,  pray  for 
the  old  friend  when   he  is   on  the  blue  wave  of  ocean, 


VOYAGE   TO   EUROPE.  309 

belioklhig  God's  wonders  in  tlie  deep ;  and  for  tlie  two 
beautiful  flocks  tliat  I  have  reared  with  fatherly  care  in  this 
city.     I  sail,  this  day  week. 

"  Your  brother  in  Christ, 

"  A.  McL." 

This  communication  from  Dr.  McLeod  was  received,  as 
might  be  supposed,  with  much  astonishment.  Its  abrupt- 
ness, its  generality,  its  entire  character,  evinced  a  mind  ill 
at  ease,  yet  calm,  magnanimous,  and  resigned.  The  cause  for 
such  a  course  could  not  be  conjectured.  A  letter  was  imme- 
diately sent  to  the  Doctor  requesting  some  explanations. 
Mr.  Crawford,  his  brother-in-law,  went  on  to  see  him.  The 
letter  stated  interrogatories,  to  which  answers  were  desired. 
A  communication  had  been  received  on  the  day  preceding, 
from  the  Eev.  J.  'N.  McLeod,  of  Gal  way,  asking  Dr.  Wylie's 
consent  to  a  matrimonial  connection  with  his  eldest  daughter 
Margaret.  This  proposal  was  communicated  to  Dr.  McLeod, 
with  a  request  to  state  his  views  on  the  subject.  On  the 
6th  of  the  same  month.  Dr.  McLeod  replies : 

"  Eev.  and  Deak  Bkother  :■ — • 

"  I  cannot  comply  with  your  request  until  I 
am  on  the  ocean.  Then,  if  I  am  able,  t  shall  give  to  my 
friends  more  minute  details.  I  cannot  leave  this  land,  how- 
ever, without  expressing  my  complete  satisfaction  with  John 
Xicl's  proposal,  and  your  assent.  The  G(xl  of  their  fathers 
will,  I  hope,  make  them  comfortable  and  useful  to  one 
another,  and  through  life. 

"  Your  letter  found  me  in  troul)le ;  and  I  answer  it  in 
sorrow  and  grief.  You  know  what  a  father  feels.  I  buried 
my  dear  little  Libby — Jane    Elizabeth,  yesterday.       She 


370  MEMOIE   OF   ALEXANDER   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

parted  on  Wednesday.  Her  clotlies  took  fire  on  Tuesday 
night,  about  seven  o'clock,  and  she  lived  only  twenty-five 
hours.  Oh,  my  brother,  what  sorrows  break  away  our 
hearts  from  the  unstable  enjoyments  of  earth  ! 

"  Pray  for  me  and  my  poor  wife,  who  has  now  lost  her 
chief  companion. 

"  Adieu, 

"A.  McL." 

The  scene  here  presented,  is  truly  affecting,  and  calcu- 
lated to  awaken  heartfelt  sympathy.  The  Lord,  in  his  holy 
providence,  had  brought  his  servant  into  deep  waters.  His 
arrows  were  drinking  up  his  spirit.  Yet  he  made  good  his 
promise  to  his  servant,  "My  grace  shall  be  sufficient  for 
thee." 

It  must  not  be  understood  that  the  pastoral  relation 
between  Dr.  McLeod  and  his  congregation  was  dissolved. 
To  its  dissolution  Presbytery  only  was  competent.  They 
furnished  the  congregation  with  supplies,  and  waited  the 
aspects  which  Divine  Providence  might  present  on  the 
Doctor's  return. 

In  the  further  prosecution  of  this  memoir,  the  scene  now 
shifts  from  the  country  of  Columbus,  to  the  eastern  shores 
of  the  Atlantic.  In  some  part  of  the  British  Isles  we  shall 
trace  and  follow  the  progress  of  our  voluntary  exile. 


GLASGOW.  371 


CHAPTEE     XYI. 

1S30. 

From  his  departure  for  Europe,  until  bis  return,  in  1830. 

The  first  account  of  the  Doctor  wliicli  we  offer,  after  liis 
voyage  to  Liverpool,  presents  liim  in  the  city  of  Glasgow. 
Thence  he  writes  the  following  letter  to  his  Philadelphia 
friend : 

"  Glasgow,  June  Wi,  1830. 
"  Rev.  and  Dear  Bkother  : — 

"  Since  I  addressed  you  from  Liverpool, 
in  March,  I  have  led  a  busy  and  anxious  life.  The  bur- 
den on  my  heart  was,  and  even  yet  is,  heavy ;  you  can 
readily  conceive  of  many  of  my  anxieties.  I  have  had 
indeed,  many  engagements,  new  scenes,  new  faces,  old  and 
new  relations.  The  monuments  of  the  martyrs,  and  the 
recollection  of  important  historical  events,  lay  exposed  to 
view.  Tlie  divines  and  civilians  of  every  name,  showed 
me  their  courtesies ;  and  I  have  visited  the  nniversities, 
the  libraries,  and  the  museums  of  Scotland.  I  have  also 
attended  the  Presbyteries  and  Synods  of  several  parties, 
and  devoted  some  days  to  the  General  Assembly.  "With  all 
this,  I  travelled  through  Fife  to  Aberdeen,  and  through 
Edinburgh,  Perth  and  Stirling,  to  Berwick  on  Tweed,  and 


'« 


372  MEMOIK   OF   ALEXANDEE   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

back  tlirongli  Lanark  and  Hamilton,  to  Glasgow.  I  am 
literallj  borne  down  witli  toil  of  body  and  of  mind.  God 
is  good,  and  He  has  given  me  strengtli  and  support: 
Blessed  be  His  holy  name.  I  have  many  warm  friends  in 
this  land.  It  is  kind  and  hospitable.  Oh!  how  I  love 
the  common  Christianity  of  Scotland  !  With  much  chaff 
there  is  much  precious  corn  on  the  top  of  the  moun- 
tains.    Our  own  church  is  in  very  good  case. 

"I  happened  to  come  to  Glasgow  at  the  sacrament.  It  is 
a  solemn  time.  All  the  town  observes  the  same  days 
together,  in  all  the  churches.  I  took  a  part,  the  table 
service,  the  Sabbath  evening  discourse,  and  the  Monday. 
I  delivered  on  the  lOtli  Aj^ril,  the  Synodical  discourse,  and 
on  the  [21st,  by  request,  I  gave  an  account  of  the  Reformed 
Presbyterian  Church  in  America.  The  Synod  gave  me  a 
vote  of  thanks,  and  recjiiested  a  copy  for  publication, 
of  both  the  sermon  and  the  address.  Alas  !  Both  existed 
only  in  words.  They  voted,  however,  that  there  should  be 
one  Covenant  for  all  the  churches  of  the  Reformation, 
one  Testimony — one  form  of  Terms  of  communion — one 
form  of  government,  and  of  worship,  fitted  for  all  lands ; 
and  they  appointed  Professor  Symington,  their  first  dele- 
gate to  America,  and  his  brother  William,  to  Ireland, 
to  request  the  assent  of  the  brethren  there,  to  the  same 
plan.  I  hope  you  will  meet  them  on  their  own  terms, 
and  appoint  your  next  Synod  as  early  as  practicable,  in 
some  place  convenient  to  the   European   delegates. 

"  I  have  made  a  similar  communication  with  this,  by 
different  channels,  to  Drs.  Black  and  McMaster. 

"  I  am  happy  to  learn,  dear  brother,  that  our  families 
are  united  now  by  another  tie ;  and  I  pray  God,  that 
our   son    and  daughter  may  be    one    in  the    Lord   God 


PEOFESSOK   OF   THEOLOGY.  3<3 

of  tlieir  fatliers,  as  of  twain,  tliey  have  become  one  flesh. 
May  tlie  Lord  preserve  tlieni  and  bless  tlieni,  many  years 
together. 

"Present  my  love  to  Mrs.  Wylie  and  Susan,  to  Theopliilns, 
and  my  dear  Theodorus,  and  to  all  my  friends  in  Phila- 
delphia. I  cannot  be  specific ;  yet,  I  mnst  mention  the 
Orrs,  the  Bells,  the  McAdams,  &c.,  &c.  I  dare  not  begin 
to  write  the  names  of  yom-  Scottish  friends ;  they  are  too 
numerous,  especially  in  Glasgow  and  Paisley.  It  is  my 
intention,  two  weeks  hence,  to  visit  Ireland,  and  there  I 
expect  some  news  from  America. 

"The  Irish  Synod  meet  on  the  13th  of  July,  in  Cole- 
raine. 

"  I  have  now  a  brother  residing  in  Belfast ;  and  lie  writes 
to  me  that  he  had  a  visit  from  Mr.  Ewiug,  who  is  improv- 
ing since  he  came  to  Europe.  I  long  to  see  him  and  his 
Margaret  on  Irish  ground. 

"  Kemember,  in  your  prayers,  your  friend  and  brother, 

"A.  McL." 

It  has  been  already  stated,  that  at  Caldwell,  head  of  Lake 
George,  in  the  late  trip  to  Quebec,  Dr.  McLeod  had  con- 
sented to  become  the  editor  of  a  religious  periodical,  to  be 
under  the  control,  and  to  be  employed  in  the  service  of  the 
General  Synod  of  the  Reformed  Presbyterian  Church.  The 
next  meeting  of  Synod,  at  which  these  matters  were  to  be 
arranged  and  determined,  took  place  at  Pittsburg,  August 
4:th,  1830,  agreeably  to  adjournment.  At  this  meeting,  Dr. 
McLeod  was  unanimously  chosen  Professor  of  Theology^ — • 
the  former  professor  having  resigned — and  editor  of  the 
contemplated  periodical.  The  Synod,  on  the  subject  of  the 
publication,  adopted  the  following  resolutions  : 


374:         MEMOIE  OF  ALEXANDER  MCLEOD,  D.D. 

"  Whereas — 'Tlie  dissemination  of  religious  knowledge  is 
a  duty  incumbent  on  tlie  Christian  community  in  general, 
and  is  particularly  called  for  from  ecclesiastical  bodies; 
and  whereas,  tlie  local  condition  of  tlie  members  of  this 
cliurcb,  scattered  as  tliey  are  over  a  vast  extent  of  territory 
in  these  United  States,  precludes  them  from  various  focili- 
'ties  of  acquaintance  with  the  transactions  of  their  own,  and 
of  other  sister  churches,  which  could  be  moi-e  conveniently 
enjoyed,  if  more  contiguously  situated ;  and  whereas,  this 
judicatory  is  bound  to  use  all  lawful  means  in  their  power 
to  promote  the  edification  of  the  people  under  their  charge, 

"  Resolved — 1,  That  this  Synod,  forthwith,  to  effect  these 
purposes,  decree  to  establish  a  periodical  publication,  or 
vehicle  of  religious  knowledge. 

"  Resolved — ^2,  That  the  Kev,  Dr.  McLeod  be  appointed 
to  the  editorial  department  of  said  publication. 

"  Resolved — 3,  Tliat  the  selection  of  the  name  or  title  of 
said  periodical  be  left  to  the  editor. 

"  Resolved — i.  That  the  publication  shall  be  in  an  octavo 
form,  similar  to  the  most  respectal)le  monthly  periodicals ; 
and  that  each  settled  minister  shall  become  responsible  for  a 
certain  number  of  copies  for  the  first  year." 

"While  the  church  judicative  of  wliich  he  was  a  distin- 
guished member  in  the  land  of  his  adoption,  were  aftbrding 
such  evidences  of  their  confidence  in  his  talents  and  inte- 
grity, the  Doctor  himself  was  iar  away  in  a  distant  land — 
the  land  of.  his  nativity — visiting  the  scenes  of  his  cliild- 
liood.  ITow  absorbing  and  delightful  the  feelings  excited 
by  reviewing  the  familiar  •  haunts  of  youtliful  innocence, 
accompanied  by  the  thousand  reminiscences  of  the  days 
of  other  years!  what  a  resuscitation  of  dormant  recollec- 


GEOLOGY.  •  375 

tions !     "What  pleasing  sensibilities   are  awakened   by  the 
successive  trains  of  association  which  start  np  in  the  mind ! 

"  On  the  first  Sabbath  of  Angnst,"  says  his  journal,  "  a 
stormy  day  confines  me  to  the  house,  and  prevents  the 
gratification  I  anticipated  in  my  ftxther's  and  grandfather's 
Parish  church,  as  I  promised  to  Mr.  Campbell,  the  present 
minister.  The  storm  prevented  the  boat  from  crossing  Loch 
Caail  and  Loch  Laigli.  Many  an  intending  hearer  will  be 
disappointed. 

"  Between  11  and  12  o'clock,  the  storm  abated,  and  we 
set  off"  in  the  boat.  The  congregation  had  lingered  on  till 
they  saw  it.  The  afternoon  was  fine,  and  I  preached  where 
my  ancestors  had  been  ministers  in  the  last  and  present 
centuries,  and  returned  safely  to  Ardfinaig. 

'■'•Monday,  2cl  August. — This  day  is  wet  and  stormy. 
Confined  to  the  house,  I  indulge  in  reflections,  seated  at 
the  head  of  Loch  Caail,  on  a  mossy  spot  amidst  the  granites. 

"  This  earth  is  composed  of  many  layers  over  each  other, 
like  the  coats  of  an  onion,  but  often  fractured,  and  neces- 
sarily intermingled,  and  ai^parently  deranged.  "Where  the 
fracture  occurs,  granite,  the  primitive  rock,  is  the  floor  on 
which  the  layers  repose — the  crust  of  the  nucleus  of  the 
globe.  It  sometimes  rises  up  in  mountains,  in  the  midst  of 
islands  and  continents,  and  often  forms  the  barriei-s  of  the 
seas  and  oceans,  as  in  this  island.  The  recent  formations 
overlay  the  transition  rocks,  and  then  deposits  of  coal,  iron, 
salt,  and  gypsum,  arc  found.  The  more  horizcjiital  are 
covered  with  vegetable  mould ;  tlie  more  inclined,  discover- 
ing occasionally  their  deposits ;  the  more  elevated  and  ver- 
tical, exhibiting  their  slaty  and  crystalline  substance  to  view 
and  use.  Whatever  may  have  been  the  instrumental  cause 
of  their  fractures,  God  is  the  first  cause,  and  the  good  of  his 


3Y6  MEMOIR   OF   ALEXANDER   MCLEOD,    D.D, 

creatures,  the  moving  and  ultimate  object  in  subordination 
to  liis  own  glory,  who  setteth  ftist  the  mountains  on  their 
base  of  granite. 

"  Scotland  aiFords  abundant  specimens,  and  furnished  tlie 
vocabulary  and  grammar  of  mineralogy,  bo  happily  studied 
by  Ilutton  and  Playfair,  by  Jameson  and  others.  Discovery 
has  not  yet  extended,  anywhere,  more  than  three-quarters  of 
a  mile  under  the  surface  ;  and  what  the  nature  of  the  kernel 
under  the  crust  of  granite  may  be,  is  unknown.  Is  there 
an  empty  space  ?  Is  there  an  internal  globe  of  fire  ?  Is 
there  loadstone  or  some  metallic  substance — a  mighty  steam- 
engine,  or  what  is  there,  within  the  granitical  covering? 
Who  can  say  ?  The  semi-diameter  is  4,000  miles  in  round 
numbers,  from  the  surface.  This  consists  of  something. 
The  granite  rock  is  composed  of  quartz,  mica,  and  feldsj)ar ; 
connected  with  it  are  primitive  formations  of  the  fine  quartz 
for  glass,  sombre  trap,  the  porphyry,  greenstone,  basalt, 
marble,  and  serpentine,  together  with  that  grand  depository 
of  metal,  gneiss,  or  slaty  granite.  The  transition  rock  is  the 
link  connecting  the  primary  with  the  secondary  class,  and 
by  some  is  distinguished  from  both.  It  is  the  bed  of  many 
metals — the  greywacke,  mountain  limestone,  and  bird's-eye 
marble. 

"  The  red  sandstone,  dyed  with  the  oxide  of  iron,  denotes 
the  shulinu  of  the  collieries.  The  iron  mines,  the  alabaster  ; 
the  beds  of  marl,  clay,  suli^lmr,  salt,  and  freestone,  lime- 
stone and  chalk.  To  this  class  belong  the  whinstone,  dykes, 
and  columnar  basalts  of  Dunbar,  and  of  the  Giant's- Cause- 
way, and  of  Staffa :  To  which  also  l)elongs,  what  abounds 
in  the  Highlands,  the  breccia,  or  pudding-rock. 

"  The  tertiary  formation,  above  the  chalk,  is  a  distinct 
crust,  where  the  operations  of  nature  are  still  in  progress. 


NATIVE   PAEISH.  377 

The  brown  coals,  the  peat,  and  turf  masses,  and  the  many 
aUmaal  formations,  which  everywhere  appear,  are  at  the 
snrface  exposed  to  every  eye. 

"  It  is  in  the  fractnres,  crevices,  and  caverns  of  these 
tertiary  and  secondary  formations,  that  the  precions  stones 
have  their  abode.  The  gems  and  spars  are  connected  or 
mixed  np  with  coarser  materials — metallic,  and  earthy. 
They  abound  in  Scotland.  Cairngornm  is  remarkable  for 
the  greatest  abundance  of  the  jmrest  specimens  of  rock 
crystal.  The  agate,  beryl,  bloodstone,  and  garnet,  the 
jasper,  the  ruby  and  the  topaz  are  to  be  found  among  the 
other  pebbles  on  the  shores  of  the  Scottish  bays,  lochs,  and 
rivers. 

"Here  confined  to  the  house  by  wet,  I  am  visited  by 
many  of  all  ranks.  The  aged,  who  knew  my  father  well,  say 
they  know  the  resemblance.  Men  and  women  tax  my 
Gaelic  by  their  questions.  As  this  is  intended  to  be  the  last 
day  of  my  stay  in  my  native  Parish,  I  will  bear  with  their 
kind  importunity  ;  but  I  sigh  for  the  land  and  the  company 
I  left,  and  for  the  holy  beloved  fellowship  of  my  brethren, 
to  meet  in  Synod  this  week  at  Pittsburg." 

It  would  be  agreeable  to  go  along  with  the  Doctor, 
through  the  whole  of  his  Journal ;  but  as  a  great  part  of  it 
is  only  in  a  skeletonized  form,  to  be  afterwards  by  himself 
filled  up,  it  is  omitted  here.  Of  the  manner  in  wdiich  the 
Doctor  himself  could  have  completed  it,  we  have  an  excel- 
lent specimen,  in  the  part  published  in  the  first  volume  of 
the  CnnisTiAN  Expositor,  entitled — "A  voyage  over  the 
Atlantic."  Parts  of  the  Journal  shall,  however,  be 
occasionally  introduced,  such  as  shall  appear  most  inter- 
esting, and  subservient  to  the  object  of  this  memoir. 

25 


378         MEMOIR  OF  AiEXANDEK  MCLEOD,  D.D 


The  Doctor,  as  has  been  already  remarked,  Lad  an  admir- 
able tact  for  grafting  upon  some  part  of  the  services  of  the 
Lord's  day,  any  remarkable  occnrrences  of  Providence. 
There  is  an  instance  of  this,  in  his  pnblic  exhibitions  in 
Glasgow,  on  the  eighth  of  the  same  month,  after  he  reached 
that  city,  having  taken  a  final  farewell  of  his  native  isle. 
He  preached  for  Kev.  Mr.  Armstrong,  in  the  afternoon, 
from  Dan.  ii.  21.  He  adverted  to  three  important  events, 
"  all  of  which,"  said  he,  "  occurred  since  I  left  home,  six 
weeks  ago,  on  23d  June,  viz. :  1st,  the  death  of  George  lY. 
and  accession  of  William  lY. ;  2d,  the  overthrow  of  Algiers 
on  or  about  the  dth  of  July ;  and  3d,  the  French  Revolution 
of  the  last  two  weeks,  27-29  July.  In  the  last  of  these, 
Louis  Philippe,  Duke  of  Orleans,  was  inaugurated  King  of 
the  French.  He  is  57  years  of  age,  born  in  1773,  of  good 
character.  France  is,  now,  a  limited  hereditary  monarchy. 
Lafayette  commander-in-chief." 

The  Doctor  did  not  content  himself  with  merely  stating 
facts,  or  barely  giving  a  correct  historical  narrative.  He 
always  applied  his  subject.  He  showed  its  fulfillment  of 
Scripture  doctrines,  promises  or  prophesies — its  bearing 
upon  the  condition  of  the  world — ^the  state  of  the  Church  of 
God,  and  tlie  present  duty  to  which  the  diversified  aspects 
seemed  most  directly  to  point.  Lideed,  his  Sabbath  services 
formed  a  pretty  accurately  graduated  providential  thermo- 
meter— if  the  expression  be  admissible — of  the  condition 
both  of  the  church  and  congregation. 

His  visit  to  the  land  of  his  nativity  gave  a  fresh  stimulus 
to  his  national  and  ecclesiastical  feeling.  Caledonia  was  to 
him  invested  with  a  species  of  classic  excellence.  It  was 
the  land  of  Ossian,  the  Celtic  bard  ;  the  country  of  Fingal, 
the  hero  of  deathless  ftime.     The  songs  of  that  inspired  bard, 


/  ossiAN.  379 

in  Ills  native  Gaelic,  had  fired  liis  yontLful  imagination.  lie 
was,  moreover,  well  versed  in  its  religious  and  cidl  history, 
of  more  modern  times.  It  was  to  him  doubly  consecrated 
by  the  blood  of  heroic  patriots,  and  of  the  gallant  martyrs 
of  Jesus.  He  revered  their  memories;  he  visited  their 
tombs.  He  cherished  the  spirit  of  an  "  Old  Mortality." 
Yes,  he  could  have  delighted  in  garnishing — not  like  the 
Scribes  and  Pharisees — the  tombs  of  the  Redeemer's  wit- 
nesses. "  From  Paisley,"  says  he,  "  on  Monday,  we  took  a 
drive  to  the  southwest,  through  Elderslie,  the  ancient  seat 
of  Sir  William  Wallace,  taking  a  view  of  the  famous  oak, 
still  bearing  some  leaves  and  boughs,  though  nmch  de- 
cayed." 

'•  On  Friday,"  he  goes  on  to  say,  "  June  25,  I  joined  a 
party,  with  llie  Rev.  Adam  Brown,  and  Archibald  Mason, 
and  Rogersou,  of  the  number,  to  Drumclog.  We  passed  from 
Crookedholm,  through  Gallston,  and  ISTew  Mills,  or  Loudon, 
to  Derval,  and  breakfasted  at  the  house  of  Mr.  Rogerson. 
After  breakfast,  we  passed  from  Derval  to  the  west  of 
Loudon  Hill.  On  the  1st  June,  the  Covenanters  were 
assembled  for  worehiping  their  God  on  the  side  of  the 
Broom  Hill.  It  was  the  Lord's  day,  and  tlie  Rev.  Mr. 
Douglas  was  preaching  to  them.  Mr.  Donald  Cargill  was 
of  the  company.  A  sentinel  placed  on  the  opposite  emi- 
nence, Loudon  Hill,  announced  the  approach  of  General 
Graham  of  Claverhouse,  with  his  dragoons.  The  persecuted 
Presbyterians,  after  a  short  consultation,  resolved  to  advance 
and  meet  the  foe.  They  did  so ;  and  halted  at  the  Moss,  in 
sight  of  Drumclog,  where  they  again  united  in  singing 
Psalms  until  the  enemy  fired  upon  them,  and  so  brought  on 
the  battle  of  that  name. 

"  At  that  Moss,  under  a  hedge,  Mr.  Rogerson  spread  his 


380         MEMOIR  OF  ALEXANDER  MCLEOD,  D.D . 

table-clotli,  and  we  all  sat  down  to  dinner,  on  tlie  spot  of  so 
many  recollections.  I  returned  that  evening  to  Crooked- 
liolni,  having  previously  arranged  with  Mr.  Brown,  a  trip 
on  Saturday,  to  Lochgoin,  the  seat  of  Mr.  Howie,  whose 
father  collected  and  published  so  many  fragments  of  the 
the  testimonies  of  that  time  of  trial  to  the  pious  whigs  of 
Scotland.  Mr.  Howie  is  denoted  by  Sir  "Walter  Scott,  in  his 
Tales  of  My  Landlord,  as  Old  Mortality.  In  his  house,  are 
still  preserved  the  Covenanters'  flag,  Captain  Paton's  Bible, 
and  many  other  relics  of  the  struggle  for  truth  and  liberty." 
"  On  Tuesday  I  dined  with  Andrew  McMillan,  the  son  of 
old  Kev.  John,  of  Sand  Hills,  and  the  brother  of  Professor 
John,  of  Stirling.  I  had  previously  visited  the  hospitable 
mansion  of  the  Galloways,  and  their  mother,  the  widow  of 
him  who  died  in  Xew  York,  1T95,  of  yellow  fever.  Mr. 
Andrew  McMillan  showed  me  two  j)air  of  Covenanters' 
colors  which  waved  at  Bothwell  Bridge,  and  afterwards  at 
the  head  of  the  Cameronian  regiment,  raised  in  1689,  in 
defence  of  the  Kevolution.  Application  was  made  to  Mr. 
McMillan,  lately,  by  Sir  Walter  Scott,  for  a  sight  of  these 
colors,  but  the  good  man  sent  as  reply,  that  he  would  not 
comply  with  the  request  of  one  who  traduced  the  piety  and 
patriotism  of  the  men  who  fought  under  these  banners." 

In  these  visits  and  excursions,  the  Doctor  evinced  an 
animation  bordering  on  enthusiasm.  Kothing  concerning 
the  martyrs  was  indifferent  to  him.  He  admired  their 
virtues.  He  visited  the  battle-grounds  of  the  Covenanters, 
and  viewed  their  tombs.  He  inspected  the  manuscripts  of 
public  documents,  and  signatures  to  the  original  copies  of 
the  Solemn  League  and  Covenant.  Yea,  he  took  pleasure  in 
the  very  rubbish  and  stones  of  Zion,  and  favored  the  dust 


CONCIO   AD   CLERUM,  381 

thereof  for  her  sake.  The  different  universities  of  Ghisgow, 
Edinburgh,  Aberdeen,  and  St,  Andrews  he  visited ;  was 
politely  treated  and  much  valued  by  the  learned  professors, 
and  other  literati  of  those  celebrated  seats  of  science ;  he 
ins]3ected  their  museums,  libraries  and  cabinets  of  curiosities ; 
preached  in  many  churches ;  attended  numerous  dispensa- 
tions of  the  Lord's  Supper,  at  which  he  always  assisted.  He 
was  caressed  by  the  doctors  and  clergy  in  general,  and  in 
all  his  intercourse  with  the  elite  of  that  land,  a  land  second 
to  none  on  the  globe,  in  learning,  religion,  morality,  hospi- 
tality, and  friendship,  the  pleasure  and  satisfaction  were 
mutual. 

He  was  twice  in  Ireland,  and  twice  in  Scotland.  At  the 
request  of  both  Synods,  he  consented  to  deliver  the  concio 
ad  clerum,  on  the  opening  of  these  Courts  respectively. 
His  were  not  discourses  previousl}'  written  out,  or  delivered 
on  former  occasions,  cut  and  dry  for  use.  i!To ;  in  a  dozen 
years,  he  wrote  not  one  sermon  out  at  full  length.  A  short 
skeleton,  or  brief  analysis,  perhaps  on  many  occasions  not 
thought  of  an  hour  before  delivery,  was  all  the  preparation 
necessary  for  his  pulpit  exhibitions.  His  capacious  mind 
resembled  a  well-supplied  cistern,  always  full.  He  needed 
only  to  open  the  sluices,  and  copious  streams  of  purest 
doctrines,  and  accurate  and  judicious  arrangement,  would 
flow  amain. 

Amid  these  multifarious  arrangements,  the  Doctor  was 
not  forgetful  of  his  dear  relatives  at  home.  He  thus  writes 
his  daughter,  Margaret  Ann  (ITrs.  Johnson),  from  the  city 
of  Aberdeen : 

"  My  Dear  Daughter  : — 

"  I  cannot  be  long  alone,  without  think- 
ing of  those  I  left  behind,  and   wishing  to  write  to  some 


382  ISIEMOIR   OF   ALEXAJsTDER   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

of  them.  Besides  the  other  letters  that  I  write  to  America, 
I  must,  once  a  month,  address  some  members  of  my  own 
family.  It  is  true  I  have  had  no  returns ;  and  indeed,  I 
have  not  yet  had  time,  for  since  I  left  Glasgow,  I  am  out  of 
the  reach  of  the  Atlantic  seaports,  and  can  but  live  in  hope, 
that  on  my  return  to  the  West,  I  shall  not  be  disappointed 
in  receivino;  some  token  of  remembrance.  It  would  be 
very  easy  for  me  to  fill  pages  of  remarks  on  British  friends 
and  Irish  habits,  but  I  confine  my  ideas  within  particular 
bounds,  when  I  take  the  pen. 

"  I  am  now  in  Aberdeen,  in  the  house  of  my  sister  Flory, 
who  is  remarkably  w^ell,  considering  her  age  and  her 
trials,  and  I  may  add,  remarkably  cheerful,  considering  her 
causes  of  sorrow.  In  her  daughter,  however,  she  has  a 
treasure  of  good  sense  and  kind  fellowship  seldom  equalled  ; 
and  much  is  the  satisfaction  which  they  together  take,  and 
impart  to  me,  in  speaking  of  'New  Ycn-k,  and  my  family. 
I  shall  give  you  rather  a  journal  of  the  course  I  pur- 
sued since  I  wrote  to  Mr.  Johnston  from  Ireland. 

"I  parted  with  Mr.  Stavely  in  Londonderry,  and  soon 
after  embarked  for  Scotland.  After  a  short  stay  in  Gree- 
nock, I  came  to  Glasgow,  the  capital  of  the  West  of 
Scotland,  where  I  arrived  the  Tth  April.  Thursday,  the 
8th,  was  the  fast  before  the  sacrament,  I  rejoiced  in 
the  communion,  and  was  gladly  received  by  my  brethren. 
I  thought  I  should  be  greeted  nowhere  with  such  warm 
friendship  as  I  found  in  Ireland,  and  indeed,  it  is  impos- 
sible to  exceed  it;  yet,  the  Scottish  friends  to  me,  are 
not  a  whit  behind.  I  have  been  overwhelmed  with  their 
attentions.  Alas !  I  am  not  able  to  gratify  half  the  calls 
made  upon  me  for  public  services.  I  preached,  however 
on  Sabbath  and  on  Monday,  and  on  next  Sabbath,  and 
on  Monday  the  19th,  at  the  opening  of  Synod,  in  Glasgow.    I 


ABERDEEN.  383 

passed  at  the  end  of  the  week  to  tlie  Higlilands,  to  see 
Ann  and  lier  family,  and  the  following  Saturday,  1st 
May,  found  me  in  Aberdeen." 

The  Doctor  having  visited  his  sister,  and  after  having 
received  kind  attentions  from  the  professors  of  the  uni- 
versity, says,  "  12th  May,  I  left  Aberdeen,  and  am  now 
in  Edinburgh.  To-da}^  is  Wednesday,  and  Sabbath  was 
the  Edinburgh  sacrament.  I  23reached  on  Saturday,  served 
two  tables,  and  preached  on  Sabbath,  and  also  on  Mon- 
day. My  visits  through  this  astonishing  city,  ray  attentions 
to  its  literary  curiosities  and  historical  antiquities,  and  my 
intercourse  with  its  great  men,  have  almost  overpowered 
me.  I  am  off,  if  my  health  permit,  to  the  suburbs,  and 
Pentland  Hills,  to-morrow.  Much,  however,  remains  for 
me  in  Edinburgh.  I  design,  after  fulfilling  my  engage- 
ment at  Loan  Head,  to  visit  St.  Andrews,  and  ^jreach 
on  the  23d  in  Eife.  Being  engaged  for  the  time  to  assist  at 
the  sacrament  at  Chirnside,  I  came  back  from  the  English 
border  again  to  Edinburgh,  and  proceed  again  to  Glasgow. 
I  am  engaged  to  assist  Mr.  Mason,  at  the  communion  on 
the  2d  Sabbath  of  June;  till  then  I  visit  the  chief  sites 
of  the  persecutions.  Having  abeady  seen  the  monument 
erected  for  John  Knox  in  Glasgow,  one  of  the  Coven- 
anters' flags  in  Aberdeen,  the  dwelling-house  of  Knox,  and 
the  monuments  of  the  martyrs  in  Edinburgh ;  my  anxiety 
is  increased  to  see  all  of  the  kind  that  are  to  be  seen 
in  the  country.  My  next  shall  be  addressed  to  William 
iNorman.' " 

The  Doctor  then  proceeds :  "  Well  may  I  say  that  my 
sorrows  at  the  recollection  of  my  home,  as  yet,  far,  very  far 
exceed  every  pleasure,  but  those  I  take  in  serving  the 
church,  for  which  my  Saviour  bled  and  died. 


384:  MEMOm   OF   ALEXANDER  MC  LEOD,    D.D. 

"I  need  not  ask  you  to  remember  me  to  any  one  in 
New  York — if  any  one  forgets  me.  Every  one  of  my 
friends  is  ever  present  to  uiy  remembrance.  However 
mncli  I  desire  it,  sucb.  is  my  state  of  bealtb,  faint 
indeed  are  my  liopes  of  ever  seeing  again  my  dear, 
dear  family,  my  friends,  or  my  ilock.  God's  will  be  done  ! 
Yet,  how  bard  to  snbmit  when  I  tbink  of  one  whose 
image  makes  me  tremble  with  emotion — yonr  mother !  The 
tears  flow  when  I  prononnce,  adieu, 

"  A.  McL." 

"P.  S. — I  visited  RuUion  Green,  the  ground  of  the 
battle  of  Pentland,  between  the  Covenanters  and  perse- 
cutors. There  is  a  monument  to  the  martyrs  on  the 
spot.  On  the  way  I  stopped  at  Mr.  Thornburn's  house, 
and  the  old  church,  and  saw  in  the  church-yard  some 
of  the  graves  of  the  eminent  old  Dissenters,  These  were 
more  interesting  to  me  than  the  scenes  of  modern  grandeur, 
and  magnificent  antiquities  of  Itoslin  Castle,  Melville 
Castle,  and  the  Duke  of  Beucleugh's  palace,  all  of 
which  I  visited  yesterday.  To-morrow,  I  preach  for 
Mr,  Anderson,  who  has  a  very  fine  congregation.  Again, 
Farewell !" 

In  the  above  letter  to  Mrs.  Johnston,  there  was  one  pro- 
mised to  William  Norman,  the  Doctor's  second  son.  He 
writes  from 

"WiSHAWTOwx,  June  Vitli,  1830. 

"  My  Deae  Son  : — 

"  I  often  think  of  you,  very  far  away,  and 
ignorant  even  of  the  place  of  your  abode.  How  you  are 
employed  I  know  not ;  nor  can  I  give  you  assistance  or  direc- 


BERWICK.  385 

tion.  I  will  only  put  yon  in  mind  that  yon  liave  a  father, 
and  nrge  yon  to  be  obedient  to  the  law  of  yonr  mother ; 
and  to  remember  yonr  Father  in  heaven,  whose  eyes  are 
always  npon  yon,  and  is  never  far  oft'.  He  will  snpport 
yon,  and  bring  yon  to  honor,  if  you  serve  him  with  faith 
and  love.     O  that  his  grace  may  abonnd  towards  ns  all ! 

"Since  I  wrote  to  Margaret  Ann,  I  have  seen  mnch,  and 
travelled  a  great  deal.  After  coming  to  Edinburgh  from 
Aberdeen,  I  enjoyed  many  sights,  calling  np  many  interest- 
ing recollections.  The  honse  of  John  Knox  still  stands  in 
the  Cannongate.  The  Close  from  which  Eenwick  fled,  and 
the  spots  where  he  was  taken  and  executed,  are  still  to  be 
seen.  The  Crown  of  Scotland  was  shown  to  me  in  the 
room  in  which  it  was  locked  np  since  the  union  of  the 
kingdom  to  England,  until  a  few  years  ago ;  and  many 
objects  of  curiosity  were  shown  to  me  also,  in  the  Castle 
of  Edinburgh.  From  that  city  I  went  to  Kelso  and  Chirn- 
side.  Id  the  former  place,  a  beautiful  town,  on  the  banks 
of  the  Tweed,  I  saw  Mr.  Bates,  and  Mr.  Andrew  Smyth, 
your  old  master's  father-in-law ;  and,  in  the  latter  place,  I 
assisted  Mr.  Mclndoe  at  the  sacrament.  After  tliat  he 
accompanied  me  to  Berwick-upon-Tweed,  an  old  walled 
town,  the  scene  of  many  a  bloody  battle  between  England 
and  Scotland  ;  and  it  now  belongs  equally  to  both,  but 
formally  to  neither.  The  church  establishment  is  English ; 
the  geographic  position  is  Scottish ;  and  the  lands  are  pecu- 
liar to  itself.  The  wall  is  complete  all  around  the  town, 
which  is  at  the  mouth  of  the  river,  just  as  it  enters  into  the 
German  Ocean,  and  opposite  to  Denmark.  It  is  the  only 
walled  town  in  Britain,  and  the  only  one  I  ever  saw,  except 
Quebec,  in  British  America,  and  Deny,  in  Ireland.  The 
walls  of  Deny  are,  however,  much  finer,  and  kept  in  com- 


386  MEMOIK   OF   ALEXANDER   MC  LEOD,    D.D. 

plete  rej^air.  There  is  an  elegant  walk  also  around  the  city, 
on  the  top  of  the  wall,  which  is  well  guarded  by  side  walls, 
and  the  width  is  about  twenty  feet,  of  a  very  line  prome- 
nade. At  the  outside,  against  the  walls  of  Derry,  there 
is  a  very  fine  pear-tree,  which  bore  fruit  at  the  time  of  the 
famous  siege,  when  King  AYilliam  was  proclaimed,  who 
conquered  Ireland,  at  the  battle  of  the  Boyne.  I  saw  the 
site  of  that  battle  the  day  I  left  Dublin ;  and  I  saw,  before 
I  left  for  Scotland,  the  old  pear-tree  in  full  bloom.  It  is 
about  three  hundred  jeavs  old, 

"  From  Berwick,  Mr.  Mclndoe  conducted  me  through  a 
part  of  England  near  Floddenfield,  to  Coldstream,  in  Scot- 
land, where  General  Monk  had  his  head-quarters  before  he 
marched  to  London  to  put  down  the  Parliament,  and  restore 
King  Charles  the  Second  to  the  throne.  We  proceeded 
that  same  night  back  to  Mr.  Bates'  house,  in  Kelso,  from 
which  I  came  next  day  to  Glasgow.  The  road  lay  through 
Lanark,  famous  in  the  history  of  the  Covenanters,  and  over 
Bothwell  Bridge,  where  the  battle  was  fought. 

"  Mr.  Symington,  the  Scottish  professor,  with  whom  I 
passed  the  List  Sabbath  in  Paisley,  is  with  me  in  this  house. 
He  is  an  excellent  man,  and  a  fine  preacher.  Mr.  Mason, 
our  host,  is  a  lively,  intelligent  Christian,  and  an  able  writer 
and  preacher.  He  is  now  about  eighty  years  of  age,  and 
nearly  fifty  years  a  preacher.     He  is  still  active. 

"  This  veteran,  the  oldest  minister  in  Synod,  is  about  your 
size.  He  is  short-necked  and  broad  shouldered,  with  legs 
as  slender  as  a  spindle.  His  nose  is  long ;  his  eyes  glitter- 
ing and  grey,  and  overhung  with  two  shaggy  eyebrows  of 
strong,  whitish  hair,  with  a  narrow  forehead  and  a  small 
bead,  covered  with  a  small,  red  wig.  He  stands  in  the 
pulpit  like  a  statue,  with  his  hands  fixed  immovably,  as  if 


MK.    MASON.  387 

fastened  to  it,  one  on  ecicli  side,  his  chin  nearly  touching  the 
big  Bible  on  the  board,  and  his  rough,  hollow,  guttural 
voice,  sounding  like  a  trumpet,  with  accurate  words  and 
sound  sense  expressed  in  well-constructed  sentences.  After 
the  Synod  in  Glasgow,  he  had  a  new  set  of  teeth  constructed 
together  in  a  machine,  which  he  takes  out  at  night,  but  by 
which  his  eating  and  speaking  are  much  improved.  The 
whole  set,  Jew's  teeth,  golden  chain  and  all,  cost  about 
twenty  guineas.  He  offers  me  an  original  copy,  on  parch- 
ment, of  the  Covenant  and  Solemn  League.  There  was,  in 
1643,  a  copy  sent  for  signature  into  every  Parish  in  the 
land.  Many  of  these  have  recently  come  into  the  hands  of 
Covenanters.  ^  *  -x-  *  jj^  politics  there  is  nothing  to 
be  heard,  except  about  the  health  of  King  George,  Avho  is 
evidently  on  his  death-bed  with  dropsy.  He  will  die 
lamented  by  all  parties,  for  fear  of  a  worse  sovereign  to 
succeed  him.  Alas  !  j^oor  man,  he  has  not  the  consolations 
of  religion  to  support  him.  ^  *  »  4f  * 

"I  am  always  wondering  that  I  hear  nothing  from  "Water 
street.  I  wrote  a  line  to  Cornelius  from  Greenock  in  April, 
and  I  often  wish  to  know  how  they  are  all  doing,  and  espe- 
cially about  the  health  of  grandmother.  I  sent  Avord  in 
some  letter,  that  I  saw  her  relations  in  Ireland,  all  well. 
Mrs.  Morton,  and  Mr.  Samuel  Thompson  were  asking  for  her, 
particularly.  These  friends,  I  expect  to  see  soon  again ;  and 
will  then  write  as  long  a  letter  as  I  can  find  time  to  pen,  to 
your  grandmother.  In  the  meantime  give  her  my  love ; 
and  tell  her  that  I  cannot  but  have  her  in  my  mind.  Give 
my  regards  to  my  good  friend  Mr.  Gifford,  to  Aunt  Eliza; 
to  Uncle  William  and  the  boys,  and  Ann  Stavely,  as  well 
as  to  TJncle  Cornelius.  Tell  Eenwick,  that  I  saw  the  place 
where  his  great  namesake  was  made  prisoner,  and  the  place 


388  JIEMOIE   OF   ALEXANDEE   MCLEOD,    D.D 


wliere  lie  was  executed.      My  love  to  all  my  family,  com- 
mended to  tlie  care  of  the  God  of  your  fathers. 

"A.  McL." 

This  son,  William  I*s"orman,  to  whom  the  above  letter  is 
addressed,  in  the  spring  of  1830  went  to  Philadelphia,  and 
entered  the  Freshman  class,  in  the  University  of  Pennsyl- 
vania, residing,  during  his  course  at  college,  in  the  family 
of  Dr.  Wylie.  He  graduated  in  1834,  and  in  paternal 
examjDle  and  respectability,  as  well  as  in  religious  instruc- 
tions and  moral  discipline,  inherited  an  invaluable  legacy. 

While  Dr.  McLeod  was  highly  valued  as  a  gentleman,  as 
a  scholar,  as  a  profound  divine,  and  ]3ublic  ambassador  of  the 
Kedeemer,  in  the  land  of  Caledonia,  the  country  of  his  nati- 
vity, his  worth  was  no  less  correctly  appreciated  on  the  other 
side  the  water,  in  the  Emerald  Isle.  He  was  there  received 
with  characteristic  kindness  and  cordiality,  wherever  he 
visited  among  that  warm-hearted  people.  It  has  been  a 
matter  of  wonder  to  many  of  his  friends  here  in  America, 
how  his  constitution,  rather  delicate  and  undermined  by 
disease  and  sickness,  endured  the  incessant  toil  and  exertion 
to  which  his  travelling,  his  preachiug,  his  conversation  in 
the  social  circle — in  a  word,  to  which  the  mass  of  public  and 
private  duties,  subjected  him.  There  is  little  doubt,  how- 
ever, that  though  the  constant  excitement  sustained,  it  at 
the  same  time  secretly  and  deceitfully  exhausted  his  already 
debilitated  system.  He  certainly  returned  to  the  land  of 
his  adoption  with  a  constitution  more  impaired  than  im- 
proved. There  was  a  manifest  declension  of  physical  vigor, 
from  his  return  until  the  period  of  his  dissolution.  The 
Doctor  had  arrived  in  Liverpool,  9tli  March,  1830,  passed 
over  to  Ireland,  spent  Sabbath,  llth,  in  the  city  of  Dublin, 


IRELAND.  389 

Tvas  twice  engaged  in  preaching  in  Belfast,  on  Sabbatli  the 
21st.      The  evening  sermon  he   preached   in  Berry  street 
Church,  where  a  collection  was  taken  up  for  the  Jews.     On 
the  2Sth  of  the  same  month  he  preached  in  Kilraiights,  for 
Mr.  Stavely;  on  31st  for  Mr.  Carlisle,  at  Beldhershane,  and 
1st  April  at  Ballylaggan,  for  Mr.  Cameron.     On  next  day, 
he  rode  to  Londonderry,  and  on  the  ith  of  April,  preached 
twice  in  that  celebrated  city.     He  then  went  to  Glasgow, 
April  8th,  and  during  his  stay  in  l^ovth  Britain,   till  his 
second  visit  to  Ireland,  July  6th,  his  synodical  and  ministe- 
rial labors,  journeyings,  excursions,  etc.,  were  nnmerous, 
fatiguing  and   oppressive.      The  Doctor's   second   visit  to 
Ireland  was  but  short^ — only  from  the  6th  of  July,  until  the 
20th  of  the  same  month — but  that  short  period  was  filled  up 
with  almost  unremitting  exertion.     He  assisted  at  Mr.  Alex- 
ander's sacrament,  Belftist,  11th  of  that  month ;  and  on  the 
13th,  by  request  of  Synod,  preached  the  synodical  sermon, 
as  is  usual  on  the  opening  of  the  judicatory.     On  the  20th 
he  sailed  for  the  Highlands  of  Scotland,  visited  his  relatives 
there,  and  the  romantic  scenes  of  his  youthful  days.     On  the 
7th  of  August  he  reached  Glasgow,  and  preached  for  Mr. 
Armstrong  on  the  afternoon  of  the  ensuing  Sabbath.     On 
the  19th  of  the  same  month,  he  says,  "  I  bade  adieu  for  ever 
to  the  great,  growing  and  hospitable  city  of  Christian  Glas- 
gow, and  passed  the  night  in  the  house  of  Hugh  Stevenson, 
Esq.,  and  his  wife,  my  cousin  Lucy,  of  Langamull.      On 
Friday  I  came  to  Campbletown,  and  on  "Wednesday  came 
by  the  Londonderry  to  Port  Rush,   and  got,  by  the  wa}^  of 
Coleraine  and  Ballymony,  to  Mr.  Stavcly's." 

His  stay  in  Ireland,  on  this  third  and  last  visit,  was  only 
until  the  27th  of  September.  This  was,  indeed,  a  busy 
period.  He  visited  Belfast,  Knockbracken,  and  Carrick- 
fergus.     Tliere  he  remained  over  night  with  the  Eeverend 


390  MEMOIR   OF   ALEXAJSnOEE   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

John  Paul,  a  gentleman  and  divine  so  justly  esteemed  for  liis 
intellectual  discrimination  and  logical  precision,  and  as  an 
intrepid  Christian  polemic.  He  called  at  Larne,  Ballymena, 
Cullybacky,  Ballykenedy,  &c.  &c.,  and  on  Wednesday  tlie 
Stli,  reached  Ballymoney.  He  preached  twice,  September 
12th,  at  the  opening  of  Mr.  Stavely's  new  church  in  Bally- 
mone3^  On  the  15th  he  set  out  for  Londonderry,  and  on  the 
18th  visited  the  venerable  and  patriarchal  veteran  of  the 
E-eformed  Presbyterian  Church,  the  Beverend  William 
Gamble,  Eamelton ;  and  on  Sabbath,  19th,  preached  for  Mr. 
FuUerton,  at  l^ewton  Limmavady. 

Here  the  Doctor  preached  a  charity  sermon,  for  the  Jews. 
"The  outcast  Hebrews  still  beloved  of  God."  The  text, 
Pom.  xi.  28.  As  touching  the  election,  they  are  still 
beloved  for  their  father's  sake.  Many  such  sermons  he 
preached  while  itinerating  in  Scotland  and  Ireland.  From 
his  short  notes,  we  take  one  of  the  fullest  skeletons  as  a  speci- 
men. It  was  preached  in  Glasgow,  June  20th,  1830,  Pom. 
XV.  27. 

"  THE   DUTY   OF   CHEISTIANS   TO   JEWS. 

"  Their  debtors  they  are.  For  'if  the  Gentiles  have  been 
made  jpartakers  of  their  sjyiritucd  things,  their  duty  is  also 
to  minister  to  them  in  carnal  things. 

"  The  apostle  Paul  was  an  extraordinary  missionary  of  the 
Christian  religion.  His  appointment  was  miraculous  ;  his 
qualifications  were  remarkable,  and  his  success  among  the 
heathen  was  uncommon.  Before  him,  there  was  no  man 
his  superior,  and  siuce  he  left  the  world,  there  has  not  been 
his  equal.  Called  in  the  prime  of  life,  and  in  the  full 
career  of  his  persecutions,  by  our  Divine  Master,  his  con- 
version was  certain  and  sudden,  his  instructions  were  from 
heaven,  and  his  endowments  of  the  Holy  Ghost.     Suspected 


SEKMON   FOR   TlIE   JEWS.  391 

bj  the  cautious,  shunned  hj  the  timid,  and  hated  by  the 
foe,  he  seized  upon  the  banner,  red  in  the  blood  of  Calvary, 
and  waving  it  over  the  nations,  he  moved  onward  and 
planted  it  within  the  gates  of  Eome,  at  the  palace  of  the 
Cii^sars.  He  travelled  from  Damascus  of  Syria,  over  the 
land  of  Palestine,  and  the  cities  of  Lesser  Asia,  across  the 
Mediterranean,  and  organized  churches  in  the  provinces  of 
the  European  continent. 

"  A  missionary  from  the  Jews  to  the  Gentiles^  lie  set  open 
the  door  of  faith  to  the  Greek  and  barbarian  :  and  he  nrjred 
upon  all  Gentile  Christians  the  duty  of  attention  to  all  the 
wants  of  the  descendants  of  Abraham.  He  rested  his 
cause  under  the  blessing  of  God,  upon  this  argument ;  and 
made  his  appeal  to  the  understanding  and  the  heart  of 
sanctified  men. 

"  As  he  taught,  so  he  practised.  When  he  returned  from 
Europe  across  the  sea,  he  carried  with  him  the  contributions 
made  amongst  the  Gentile  churches  for  the  relief  of  the 
Hebrews  in  Jerusalem.  '  For,'  says  he  to  the  inhabitants 
of  Eome,  '  it  has  pleased  them  of  Macedonia  and  Achaia, 
to  make  a  certain  contribution  for  the  poor  saints  which  are 
at  Jerusalem.  It  hath  pleased  them  verilj^,  and  their 
debtors  they  are.  For  if  the  Gentiles  have  been  par- 
takers,' &c. 

"  The  Gentiles  referred  to  were  Christians,  partakers  of 
the  benefits  of  spiritual  things.  They  partook  of  the  benefits 
of  Christianity  from  the  Jews,  and  so  became  their  debtors. 
It  was  accordingly  their  duty  to  minister  to  the  Jews  in 
carnal  things,  i.  <?.,  in  the  common  enjoyments  and  necessa- 
ries of  temporal  life.  The  argument  is  this ;  all  the  Gentile 
Christians  who  i)artake  of  religious  privileges,  are  under 
obligation  to  contribute  to  the  relief  of  the  house  of  Israel. 


392  MEMOIK   OF   ALEXAKDEK   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

"  Tliis  is  tlie  argument  I  bring  before  you.  Their  debt- 
ors they  were. 

"we  aee  debtors  to  the  jews, 

"  I. — Show  %olieTein — what  do  %oe  owe  the  Jews  V 

Before  I  enter  upon  tlie  particulars  of  our  debt,  I  offer 
three  remarks : 

"  1.  'Whatever  we  have  is  from  God. — James  i.  5-17. 

"  2.  This  does  not  annul  our  debt  to  the  human  instru- 
ment. 

"  3.  Our  religion  is  from  the  Jews.  Our  salvation — Rom. 
ii.  11.  This  salvation  is  the  sum  of  spiritual  things,  and 
includes  our  debts  as  follows  : 

"  First.  Preservation  of  the  knowledge  of  the  one  true 
God. 

"  Second.  A  complete  revelation ;  history,  morality,  faith, 

church. 

"  Third.  Jesus  Christ  came  of  the  Jews. — Eom.  ix.  5. 

"  Fourth.  Proof  of  Scripture  prophecy,  past,  present,  and 
future. 

"  II. — The  dutij  of  Gentiles  to  the  Hehrews. 

"  1.  Kind  attentions  and  prayers  for  them. 

"2.  Giving  them  more  instruction  in  e.ery  accessible 
form. 

"  3.  Temporal  relief,  even  to  unconverted,  much  more 
to  Saints. 

"  4.  Distinct  Church,  State,  and  all  the  ordinances. 

"HI, —  We  have  encouragement. 

"  1.  They  are  human  and  of  one  blood,  with  '  all 
nations.' 


AMEEICAN   JEWS    SOCIETY.  393 

"2.  They  have  Moses,  and  tlie  Prophets,  and  Syna- 
gogues. 

"  3.  We  have  the  first  fruits  of  the  harvest. 

"  4.  All  Israel  shall  he  saved. — Eom.  ii.  26. 

Conclusion,  I  agitate,  perhaps  unwisely,  yet  certainly 
intentionally,  no  controversy  ahout  where  are  the  ten  tribes, 
whether  they  shall  always  be  a  distinct  people — the  land  of 
promise — the  personal  righteousness — the  time  and  manner 
of  their  fullness.  I  shall  only  tell  you  of  the  immediate 
object  of  the  collection. 

"  The  American  Society  was  organized  25th  January, 
1820,  and  incorporated  as  a  body  politic  by  the  Legislature 
of  the  State  of  ]S[ew  York,  14th  April  of  the  same  year. 

"During  these  ten  years,  they  have  exercised  much 
benevolence  and  learned  much  by  exj)erience. 

"They  have  collected  upwards  of  $30,000,  not  quite 
£8,000  sterling.  They  have  from  time  to  time,  conferred 
benefits  on  more,  in  all,  than  thirty  Jews,  giving  employ- 
ment to  some  and  education  preparatory  to  the  ministry,  to 
others — and  several  mechanical  trades  to  various  others. 

"  They  have  purchased  an  estate  of  500  acres,  and  now 
hold  it  with  a  colony  of  Hebrews,  pursuing  the  various 
arts  and  trades,  and  under  spiritual  instruction,  and  fur- 
nished with  the  necessaries  of  life.  They  have  a  library, 
and  a  native  Jew  as  a  missionary  for  the  Mediterranean 
shores. 

"  In  America,  we  have  land,  and  may  extend  as  need 
requires.  It  is  settled  by  your  own  friends  and  children. 
You  know  its  relations  with  Europe. 

"  I  ask,  in  their  behalf,  for  your  prayers,  and  your  aid, 
hoping  that  every  one  will  contribute  something  to  the 
tabernacle  now  erecting  in  the  wilderness." 

26 


394:  MEMOm   OF   ALEXAimEK   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

The  Doctor  was  now  turning  his  face  towards  America, 
longing  to  revisit  those  whom  he  had  left  behind. 

In  a  letter  dated  September  13th,  1830,  he  complains  of  his 
long  want  of  intelligence  from  America,  and  adds,  "  Mrs. 
Ewing  in  Ireland  is  left  without  account  of  American  trans- 
actions, as  well  as  myself.     A  letter  to  either  of  us,  once  in 
•this  country,  would  find  us  out.     The  Post  Office  is  a  speedy 
channel ;  and  friends  are  attentive  to  forward  letters  from 
any  quarter.      Sometimes  our  communications  wander,  but 
they  generally  come  to  hand  at  last.      It  is  now  too  late. 
I  met  many  in  Scotland  who  cherish  a  very  friendly  recol- 
lection of  you ;  and  the  old  men  of  Paisley  made  particular 
inquiries  respecting  your  health.      In  Ireland  the  number 
of  inquirers  is  still  greater.      Since  my  last  return  to  Hiber- 
nia,  I  have  been  more  among  the  people  than  I  was  on  my 
former  visits,  and  am  much  gratified  with  their  intimacies. 
I  have  preached  in  all  the  regions  from  Donaghadee  to  Lon- 
donderry ;  and  even  from  house  to  house,  conversing  with, 
and  enjoying  the  hospitality  of  our  religious  connections  and 
their  friends.     I  have  surveyed  the  country  with  great  dili- 
gence, and  with  some  toil.     It  is  remarkable  how  numerous 
are  the  American   connections   of   the   Scotch   and  Irish. 
Although  it  is  but  a  few  hom-s  sail  from  Ireland  to  Scotland, 
I  believe  the  connections  of  each  of  them,  in  America,  are 
more  in  number  than  of  either  of  them  with  the  other. 
And,  indeed,  both   admire   the  American   church,  full  as 
much  as  she  deserves.     They  are  far  enough,  at  home,  from 
affecting  the  superiority  which  some  of  their  emigrants  have 
assumed,  on  landing  on  the  shores  of  Columbia.     They  have 
full  as  much  talent  and  literature,  and  much  more  liberality 
than  I  had  anticipated.     Our  ministers  and  people,  on  both 
sides  the  channel,  can  well  bear  a  comparison  with  their 


SUCCESSOES    OF   THE   MAKTTKS.  395 

neiglibors,  in  any  of  the  other  churches  in  the  land :  and 
thej  stand  well  with  the  great  and  good  around  them.  It 
appears  to  me,  that  the  point  is,  at  last,  generally  conceded, 
.that  our  people  are  the  successors  of  the  Martyrs  of  the  Ee- 
formation,  and  it  is  univei-sally  admitted,  that  these  were  the 
best  friends  of  civil  and  religious  freedom.  It  is  astonishino- 
too,  what  an  excitement  has  been  given  to  the  public  mind 
by  the  French  Revolution.  Every  town,  small  and  great, 
holds  its  public  meetings,  and  all  their  orators  are  at  work 
in  praise  of  the  Parisians.  But  you  will  have  the  current 
European  news  in  Philadelphia,  as  soon  as  we  have  it  in 
Ireland.  The  flame  of  patriotism  and  the  antidespotic  spirit, 
are  spreading  in  Europe  with  wonderful  rapidity.  Terrible, 
however,  must  be  the  conflict  ere  long. 

"  There  is  much  to  be  done  ;  and  it  must  be  done  quickly : 
yet  there  are  ten  thousand  barriers  to  be  broken  down  in 
church  and  state ;  in  the  condition  and  policy  of  the  upper 
ranks,  and  in  the  commons  too,  ere  an  equitable  system  can 
be  established  in  the  rotten  monarchies  of  the  nations.  As 
yet,  however,  the  revolution  goes  smoothly  on.  The  harvest 
is  abundant.  Trade  and  provisions  are  plenty.  Armies  are 
mustered  with  facility.  Another  year  may  change  the 
entire  aspect  of  things,  and  the  wrath  of  God  be  si^eedily 
intermingled  with  the  proceedings  of  the  Antichristian 
world :  for  the  day  of  vengeance  approaches ;  the  year  of 
his  redeemed  draws  near.  The  calm  is  pleasant  while  it 
continues;  and  it  is  pleasant  to  see  the  sun  through  the 
passing  clouds,  that  are  fraught  with  the  storm.  Yet  the 
storm  is  there ;  alas !  who  shall  live  to  sec  it  over !  I  luxve, 
indeed,  giowing  apprehensions.  I  would  wish  to  see  my 
own  beloved  country  again,  and  to  be  once  more  among  my 
brethren,   my   friends    and    my  family.       Here,   I   am   a 


396         MEMOm  OF  ALEXANDER  MCLEOD,  D.D. 

stranger.  I  wax  old  and  iulirm.  I  long. for  my  rest ;  but  I 
am  in  the  hands  of  Him  who  keepeth  Israel,  and  I  strive  to 
be  contented.     Adieu !  A.  McL." 

In  the  above  letter,  the  Doctor  discovers  much  anxiety 
abont  home,  regrets  the  scantiness  of  intelligence  from  his 
friends,  longs  for  a  return  to  his  country,  watches  and  com- 
pares the  aspects  of  Divine  Providence,  and  deduces  from 
them  what  he  deemed  to  be  the  most  legitimate  conclusions. 
On  the  quarter  of  correspondence  it  may  be  proper  to  remark 
that,  although,  in  his  rapid  itinerancy,  letters  might  not 
regularly  reach  him,  yet  many  were  written  to  him  by  his 
friends  in  America.      Neither  friends  nor  foes  forgot  him. 
From  his  son  John  ISTiel,  then  stationed  in  Galway,  where 
he  had  been  ordained  ere  his  father's  departure  for  Europe, 
he  received  various  letters ;  also  from  Dr.  McMaster,  and 
others,  all  members  of  the  same  Presbytery  to  which  the 
Doctor  belonged,  he  received  information  of  the  movements 
of  the   congregation,   and  the   proceedings  of  Presbytery. 
Dr.  McMaster  thus  addresses  him  in  a  letter  dated  from 
Schenectady.     "  I  am  thus  far  on  my  way  from  assisting  at 
the  dispensation  of  the  sacrament  in  Galway ;  and  presum- 
ing that  Mr.  Ewing,  now  on  his  way  to  Ireland,  may  possibly 
meet  with  you,  I  am  unwilling  to  let  the  opportunity  pass, 
of  putting  you  in  remembrance  of  your  friends.     The  solem- 
nity at  Galway  was  without  any  drawback  on  all  that  was 
calculated  to  gratify  and  edify.      Your  son  conducted  the 
aflairs  to  great  satisfaction,  and  preached  in  a  superior  style 
of  thought  and  arrangement.     It  is  long  since  that  2")eople 
were  in  a  condition  so  promising." 

The  last  letter  from  the  Doctor,  before  he  bade  adieu  to 
the  British  Mes,  was  addressed  to  his  son  John  jSTiel. 


edinbuegh.  397 

"  My  Bear  Son  :— 

"I  receiyed  togetlier  several  letters  of 
dates  in  three  different  months,  and  written  by  different 
persons.  My  tour  through  the  Eastern  counties  of  Scot- 
land, and  the  shortness  of  my  stay  in  any  one  place, 
prevented  my  receiving  them  in  order  or  in  due  time.  I 
am  thankful,  however,  that  the  burden  of  anxiety  is  some- 
what diminished.  I  congratulate  you  on  the  change  which 
has  taken  place,  and  I  pray  God  to  bless  you  and  my  dear 
daughter  in  your  married  state.  I  loved  her  always, 
certainly  not  the  less  for  her  near  affinity.  A  father's 
blessing  be  with  you  at  all  times. 

"  I  expect  to  see,  in  a  few  weeks,  in  Ireland,  Mr.  Ewing 
and  his  wife.  My  brother,  A.  l^orman,  who  now  resides  in 
Belfast,  wrote  me  that  he  saw  him  a  few  days  ago,  and  in 
tolerably  improved  health.  All  your  Scottish  aunts  are  in 
health ;  and  both  they,  and  a  hundred  Sc'ottish  cousins  are 
wishing  you  joy.  My  sisters  left  this  last  week  for  Tobor- 
mory,  their  future  residence.  I  saw  Ann  in  her  own  house, 
as  also  her  oldest  sister.  Susan,  Mrs.  McLean  Ardfinaig,  I 
have  not  yet  seen.  I  spent  more  time  about  Glasgow  and 
Edinburgh  than  I  intended,  but  it  arose  partly  from  attend- 
ing both  sacraments  and  synodical  meetings ;  and  partly 
from  the  vast  number  of  objects  to  be  seen,  and  the  persons 
to  whom  I  was  introduced.  Edinburgh  may  well  be  called, 
*  the  intellectual  city.'  It  is  a  mighty  focus  for  concentra- 
tion of  literary,  scientific,  and  theological  talent.  There  I 
saw  the  Synod  of  the  original  Seceders,  and  became  per- 
sonally acquainted  with  its  principal  members,  especially 
McCrie,  and  Paxton.  I  attended  the  General  Assembly  for 
several  days,  and  became  accpiainted  with  the  most  distin- 
guished men  in  the  land.    In  Glasgow,  I  had  the  opportunity 


398  SIEMOIK    OF   ALEXANDEK   MCLEOD,    D.D: 

of  seeing  the  order  of  the  ITnitecl  Secession  Synod,  that  of 
the  Synod  of  Glasgow  and  Ayr,  as  well  .as  onr  own  Synod. 

"  They  are  all  on  the  same  principle  of  order,  in  con- 
ducting business  ;  but  now  and  then,  cases  occur,  in  all  of 
them,  that  excite  much  interest.  They  are  all  remarkably 
tenacious  of  good  forms,  and  extremely  sensitive  on  the 
subject  of  heresy,  especially  in  the  established  church.  Dr. 
Irving  did  not  this  year  venture  to  Edinburgh  ;  but  his 
peculiarities  were  tried,  and  condemned  in  the  persons  of 
Mr.  McLean,  and  Mr.  Campbell.  The  questions  chiefly 
discussed,  are,  whether  '  Christ  will  reign  on  earth,  in  the 
body,  during  the  millennium.'  Whether  'the  gospel 
reveals  an  indefinite  or  universal  pardon  to  every  man,  and 
to  every  sin.'  "Whether, '  the  Mediator  had  a  human  body 
and  soul,  capable  of  committing  sin.'  Each  of  these 
subjects  offered  scope  for  a  great  variety  of  publications, 
and  for  disputes  in  the  Courts,  subtle  and  splendid. 
ISTumber  and  talents  are  entirely  on  the  side  of  plain  truth. 
Poor  Irving  must  recant  or  be  excluded. 

"  Our  ministers  are  highly  respectable,  and  respected 
among  all  classes.  Mr.  Symington  is  appointed  delegate  to 
our  American  Synod.  He  will  bring  the  mutual  Covenant 
and  League  of  the  three  churches  with  him  for  our  approba- 
tion. The  plan  will  be  discussed  in  the  Irish  Court,  next 
month.  If  the  Lord  see  meet  to  prosj^er  my  endeavors,  and 
continue  to  forward  my  plan,  to  his  own  name  be  the  praise  ; 
all  others  are  only  instruments.  I  feel,  however,  that  I  have 
fallen  into  my  old  error  ;  I  have  laid  out  more  work  than 
my  hands  can  accomplish  ;  I  am  sinking  under  the  burden 
of  my  calls  and  engagements.  The  travelling,  the  preach- 
ing, the  reasonings,  the  very  season,  are  too  severe  uj)on  my 
careworn  and  reduced  system.    I  have  gathered  a  stock  of 


LABOKS.  399 

materials,  more  than  I  can  employ,  or  work  up.  Yet,  I  feel 
I  am  conscious  that  my  aim  was  good ;  and  I  have  hope 
that  God  will  find  instruments  to  do  his  work.  He  will 
also  he  my  salvation. 

"  Earnestly  do  I  desire  to  see  my  beloved,  my  too  earn- 
estly beloved  family  and  my  friends  once  more.  His  will 
be  done.  May  God  preserve  and  prosper  my  adopted 
country,  and  the  vine  which  his  right  hand  has  planted  in 
the  land,  is  the  prayer,  often  repeated  of  your  father. 

"  A.  McL." 

As  if  his  constitution  had  been  of  iron,  in  despite  of 
premonitory  symptoms,  sufficient  to  have  determined  a  more 
prudent  and  less  zealous  missionary  to  spare  himself,  we  find 
the  Doctor,  on  the  15th  of  September,  twice  engaged  in 
public  service,  in  the  congregation  of  l^h'.  FuUerton,  Newton 
Limavady. 

What  follows  until  the  Doctor's  embarkation  for  America, 
is  just  a  transcript  of  his  Journal. 

^^  Sattirdai/,  ISfk  September. — I  find  myself  in  a  place 
which  I  passed  the  2d  of  April,  nearly  six  months  past, 
waiting  to  preach,  on  to-morrow, — my  last  engagement  in 
Ireland. 

"  Texts  suggested  in  conversation,  as  subjects  of  subse- 
quent discourses : 

" '  We  must  all  appear  before  the  Judgment-seat  of 
Christ.' 

"  '  Ye  are  complete  in  him.' 

" '  Good  news  from  a  far  country.' 

" '  They  saw__the  Lord  and  were  glad.' 

"  Being  employed  as  aforesaid,  on  the  Sabbath,  I  rode  out 


400         MEMOIR  OF  ALEXANDEK  MCLEOD,  D.D. 

n  the  evening  to  Drummond,  along  witli  Mr.  Fullerton. 
On.  Wednesday^  having  breakfasted  witli  Mr.  Scott,  Eector, 
I  addressed  an  assembly  for  organizing  Tete  Auxiliaey  Jews 
Society  of  Newton,  Limavady,  and  came  that  night  to 
Mr.  Brown's,  Garvagh,  where  I  met  John  Brown  of  Angha- 
dowej,  and  others.  N'ext  morning  accompanied  Mr. 
Stavely  to  his  honse  to  dinner,  and  he  conducted  me  to 
Ballymena,  same  night,  21st  SejDtember. 

"  Wednesday.)  22c?  Sejptem'ber.,  came  to  Belfast,  underwent 
in  my  brother's  an  operation  in  the  mouth,  by  Surgeon 
McWhinney,  assisted  by  the  surgeon  of  my  brother's  regi- 
ment. Thv/rsday.)  spent  in  preparation  for  crossing  to  Liver- 
pool on  Friday ;  but,  on  that  day,  being  prevented  by  the 
state  of  the  weather — Equinoctial  gales  from  the  southeast. 
I  put  off  going  until  Monday  2Tth,  when,  God  willing,  I  shall 
bid  adieu  to  Ireland. 

"  On  Saturday,  25^^/^,  the  gale  still  blows ;  now  fair,  then 
rain,  in  quick  succession.  Took  up  the  report  of  the  Com- 
mittee, of  the  Highland  Society,  on  the  authenticity  of  the 
Poems  of  Ossian,  by  H.  McKenzie,  Esq.,  Convener,  &c. 

"  These  poems  existed  time  immemorial ;  parts  in  manu- 
scripts, parts  in  the  memory  of  the  Barcls — and  most  of  them 
in  general  circulation,  orally,  through  the  Highlands.  Alex- 
ander Pope  of  Caithness,  a  clergyman,  with  another  literary 
friend,  began  a  collection  and  arrangement  of  them,  1758. 
In  1750,  Mr.  Home,  the  author  of  Douglas,  met  Mr. 
James  McPherson,  as  tutor  in  Graham,  of  Balgowan's 
family.  Mr.  McPherson  had  a  few  pieces  of  the  Gaelic 
poetry,  and  at  Mr.  Home's  request,  translated  two  pieces. 

"Mr.  Home  showed  them  to  Dr.  Blair.  He  induced 
Mr.  McPherson  to  translate  some  more,  and  tlie  Doctor 
published  the  fragments  in  17G0.     It  took  well.     Doctor 


OSSIAN   AUTHENTIC.  401 

Robertson,  Lord  Elibank,  Adam  Ferguson,  and  other  lite- 
rati, united  witli  Blair,  and  they  sent  McPherson  to  the 
Highlands  to  collect  manuscripts  of  Ossian,  and  write  copies 
from  the  recitation  of  the  Highlanders.  He  did  so ; 
returned  to  Edinburgh  with  his  treasures,  and  having 
finished  his  task  of  translation,  he  went  to  London,  and 
published  it. 

"  McPherson  travelled  through  the  Western  Isles,  High- 
lands of  Inverness,  &c. — made  few  manuscripts  from  oral 
tradition  himself,  but  obtained  many  old  manuscripts,  and 
several   recent  collections  made  by  others,  with  design  to 
translate  them.      These  they  yielded  to  him,  who  undertook 
the    work   as   a   business.     The   Rev,    Andrew   Gallic  of 
Badenoch,  and  McPherson  of  Strafi'machie,  assisted  him  in 
collecting  his  manuscrij^ts,    and  in  settling  the  text  from 
the  different  'readings,  and  aided  him  in  the  translations. 
Some  of  the  manuscripts  were  injured  by  time;  smoked, 
worm  eaten,  and  otherwise  defaced,  mostly  written  on  parch- 
ments, and  many  with  great  care   and  elegance.     Blank- 
anold  found  some  of  them  among  his  father's  collections. 
Those   manuscripts   were   loaned   to   Mr.   McPherson,  but 
were  not   returned.     My   father    gave   him   on  the  same 
terms,  a   collection  he   had    himself   made,  and   although 
after  his  decease,  my  mother   wrote   for  it,  it  was  never 
returned.     Mrs.    McPherson,  promised   to   obtain  it    from 
her  husband,  but  even  her  eflorts  were  in  vain.     The  autho- 
rities, rather  original  manuscripts,  were  lost.     The  English 
critics  denied  their  existence — McPherson  was   vain,  and 
willing  to  be  thought  the  author;   he  dared  not  own  his 
falsehood,  but  he   would   not   deny   and  furnish  ^^roof  as 
he    might    have   done.      Hence,   the    learned   controversy 
still    existing,   while    thousands    in  the   Highlands  recito 


402  MEMOIK   OF   ALEXAJTDEB   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

from  tradition,  many  of  Ossian's  poems.  I  met  witb.  some 
tliis  summer,  1830,  who  knew  these  poems  before  McPher- 
son's  journey  in  1760,  and  know  them  now  after  the  Lipse 
of  70  years ;  some  of  them  are  in  good  health,  above  90 
years  of  age. 

The  Highland  Society  have  collected  manuscripts  of  from 
three  to  twelve  centuries  old,  referring  to  Fingal  and  Ossian, 
and  containing  some  of  the  works  of  the  great  Caledonian 
bard.  They  refer,  also,  to  the  grand  seat  of  learning  and 
religion  of  the  Western  Hebrides,  I  Colmn-KUl  ',  and  so 
corroborate  the  statements  of  Dr.  John  Smith's  Life  of 
Columba,  1798,  Edinburgh. 

CoLTTMBA  was  bom  A.D.,  531.  His  father,  Felim,  was 
the  son  of  Fergus,  of  the  royal  family  of  Ireland,  and  of 
Aithne,  of  Lorn,  who  reigned  over  the  Scots  or  Dalreudini. 
He  was  early  educated,  and  made  great  proficiency  under 
Cruinciban,  a  Presbyter,  and  subsequently  under  the  care 
of  Terimar,  Bishop  of  Clnaad,  and  of  Fenbar  and  Gemman 
of  Leinster,  and  the  famous  divine,  Ciaran,  of  Kilchieran, 
Campbleton,  Kintyi-e,  who  afterwards  founded  the  monas- 
tery of  Clon,  on  the  Shannon; 

Li  the  twenty-eighth  year  of  his  age,  he  founded  a  semi- 
nary or  monastery,  the  luminary  of  that  age,  in  Darmagh, 
where,  according  to  Ware,  some  of  his  writings  were  extant 
in  modern  times.  Cummer  and  Adomrann  are  the  only 
historians  of  Columba  who  survived  the  wreck  of  literature ; 
but  they  v/ere  his  personal  friends  and  successors  in  lona. 
Venerable  Bede  and  Cambden,  also  give  an  account  of  him 
in  their  histories.  He  travelled  through  France,  Italy,  and 
the  Eastern  churches,  before  he  emigrated,  in  563,  to  Scot- 
land, and  founded  the  seminary  at  lona,  Mull,  in  the  forty- 
second  year  of  his  age.     The  cause  of  his  retiring  from 


COLUMBA.  403 

Ireland  to  tlie  neigliboring  islands  of  Scotia,  is  referred 
to  religious  scliism,  in  liis  native  country.  lie  opj^osed  tlie 
See  of  Eorac  in  doctrine  and  worship,  whicL.  the  L-ish 
churches  generally  agreed  to  follow;  and  was  supported 
in  his  opposition,  not  only  by  many  kings  in  Europe,  but 
by  the  enterprise,  and  piety,  and  learning,  of  the  age,  at 
home  and  abroad.  The  immense  ruins  of  the  beautiful 
island  which  he  selected  for  the  seat  of  learning,  and 
which  still  remain  as  the  admiration  of  the  traveller, 
testify  to  the  skill  and  wealth  employed  in  its  endowment. 
Estates  in  different  parts  of  the  kingdom  were  annexed  to 
his  monastery.  Princes  liberally  assisted  in  his  expensive 
undertakings.  He  superintended  the  affairs  of  the  Fictish 
churches,  and  many  of  the  Scottish  and  Irish.  I  Colum- 
Kill  soon  became,  and  long  continued  to  be,  the  chief  semi- 
nary of  Christian  learning  in  Europe.  Other  mohasteries, 
and  upwards  of  three  hundred  churches  were  supplied, 
during  his  own  time,  from  this  school,  with  learned  and 
able  divines,  teachers,  and  pastors.  ISTotker  says,  the  al)bot 
was  acknowledged  primate  of  all  the  Irish  churches  at  the 
Council  of  Primecat,  and  that  he  superintended  all  the 
ecclesiastics  of  the  Highland  Isles,  thp  monasteries  of 
Dunkeld,  Abernethy,  Xelrimont  (St.  Andrews),  Abercorn, 
Monimuck,  and  Kircaldy.  Bede  and  others  remark,  that 
it  is  a  singular  fact  that,  though  only  an  abbot,  Mshops 
submitted  to  himself  and  his  successors. 

"The  followers  of  the  system  of  Columba  admitted  the 
marriage  of  the  clergy ;  they  elected  their  own  j^astors ; 
their  bishops  had  no  distinct  ordination ;  they  defended  the 
doctrine  of  the  gospel,  lived  a  holy  life,  rejected  the  claims 
of  the  papacy,  and  prevailed  in  Ireland  and  Scotland  until 
Danish  depredations  commenced  with  ruin  in  their  train, 


404:        MEMOIK  OF  ALEXANDER  MCLEOD,  D.D. 

and  left  little  power  to  resist  the  swarms  of  Eomisli  priests 
wliich  now  poured  into  the  several  kingdoms  of  Scotland, 
Ireland,  and  England.  The  Christian  churches  which  held 
to  the  faitli  of  their  fathers,  in  lona,  became  known  from 
the  ninth  century  as  Culdees,  CuUores  Dei,  worshipers  of 
God ;  or  Kildeigh,  the  people  of  the  Kill,  or  place  of  devo- 
tion. Kill  is  the  name  given  to  the  places  of  worship,  and 
their  name  still  remains,  Kil-patrick,  Kil-macolm,  &c.,  com- 
mon over  Scotland  and  Ireland  to  this  day. 

"To  avoid  excommunication  and  persecution,  Colum 
came  to  17,  and  founded  the  Kill  for  worship.  The  island 
has  since  been  known  chiefly  as  I  Coltim-Kill. 

"  It  was  the  seat  of  oj)position  to  error  and  superstition, 
and  successful,  until  the  twelfth  century." 

"  Columbum  fulgentissimum  Hibernice  et  Britannise  sidus, 
ccelestis  doctrinae  luce,  aureo  charitatis  nitore,  crystallina 
puritate  repleturum,"  &c. — Calgan.  F.  p.  464. 

"  jScMath,  26t/i  Septe?n'be/\ — The  surgeons  called  up  me 
at  half-past  ten,  and  applied  the  Luncvv  caustic  to  the  roots 
of  the  gangrene,  in  the  roof  of  my  mouth,  now,  for  the 
third  and  last  time.  The  caustic  proves  more  painful  than 
the  excision  by  the  knife.  The  pain  is,  indeed,  acute  and 
glancing  in  every  direction,  so  as  to  affect  not  only  the 
tongue,  teeth,  and  throat,  but  also  the  ears.  After  this  I 
went  to  church,  and  heard  my  kind  friend  Mr.  Simon 
Cameron,  preaching  a  good  instructive  sermon,  in  Mr, 
Alexander's  church — he  being  on  a  mission  to  Liverpool. 
It  is  the  practice  of  the  judicatories,  both  in  Scotland  and 
this  country,  to  sujDply  the  pulpit  of  him  who  is  sent  on 
public  business  from  his  own  congregation. 

"Mr.  Cameron  explained  and  sung  psalm.  He  preached 
morning  and  afternoon  from  Luke  xiv.  22, 


EDWAKD   IRVmG.  405 

"  '  I.  Explain  tlie  Parable.' 

"'IL  The  minister's  duty.' 

"  '  III.  For  wliom  there  is  room,'  and 

"  '  lY.  What  room.' 

"To  each  two  heads,  he  made  an  application,  and  so 
completed  the  two  sermons,  each  one  and  a  cpiarter  honrs 
long. 

"The  weather  damp — .my  head  as  well  as  my  entire 
month  j)ainMly  affected.  I  did  not  return  to  clmrch,  in  the 
evening ;  but  sought  God  in  my  private  apartment.  O, 
how  good ! 

'-^Monday,  '21th  Se])teiinhei\ — I  took  leave  of  L-eland. 
My  passage  was  taken  in  the  Chieftain  steamboat,  for 
Livei-pool  from  Belfast.  "We  left  the  quay,  at  5  P.  M.,  good 
boat  and  fine  weather.  In  the  evening,  after  sun-down,  we 
j)assed  the  fine  lighthouse  of  Capeland  Island,  near  the 
mouth  of  Belfast  Lough ;  and,  about  daybreak,  left  the  Isle 
of  Man  to  the  left  or  north,  and  got  sight  of  old  point 
Linus,  and  the  coast  of  Wales,  Anglesea,  about  ten  o'clock. 
The  boat  moves  very  slowly  on ;  but  the  sea  is  smooth  and 
the  wind  fair.  We  arrived  at  dock,  Liverpool,  at  half  past 
five,  P.  M.,  making  the  passage  in  little  more  than  twenty- 
four  houi-s.  I  take  my  lodgings  at  the  Saracen's  Head,  Dale- 
street.  Wednesday,  29t/i. — Strolled  up  to  Dr.  Kalph's 
chapel,  eleven  o'clock,  to  see  and  hear  Mr.  Edward  Irving, 
on  a  charity  for  the  Town  Mission.  I  heard  him  again,  at 
evening,  at  seven  o'clock,  in  Mr.  Williams'  meeting-house. 
He  is  an  original ;  a  large,  dark  muscular  man,  fine  fore- 
head, black  hair,  but  squint-eyed.  His  subject  in  the 
morning,  Ixxxii.  Psalm  paraphrased  :  then  read  Joel,  third 
chapter,  with  comments.  Text,  Rev.  i.  5.  At  evening, 
Psalm  xcvii.  and  text.  Rev.  xvi.  14." 


406  MEMOIR   OF   AJLEXANDEK  MCLEOD,    D.D. 

The  Doctor,  uotwitlistanding  liis  anxiety  about  home  and 
liis  dear  friends  there,  was  detained  in  Liverpool  till  the 
10th  of  October.  After  such  vicissitudes  as  are  incidental 
to  a  sea-voyage,  he  arrived  in  safety  at  Kew  York  on  the 
7th  of  jN'ovember.     Hear  the  close  of  his  Journal. 

"Thus  we  have  completed,  from  our  anchorage  near 
Liverpool  to  that  near  Kew  York,  twenty-eight  days.  This 
day  four  weeks,  we  set  sail.  It  is  the  fifth  Lord's  day  to  me 
on  the  water  ;  and  far  from  the  house  of  God. 

"  Ah !  how  thoughtless  are  they  that  go  to  sea  in  ships, 
of  God's  wonders  in  the  deep  !  Blessed  be  thy  name  O  God, 
O  thou  Most  High,  for  thy  preserving  goodness  to  me. 
Grant,  in  thy  mercy,  that  I  may  reach  thy  sanctuary,  and 
enjoy,  once  more,  the  public  social  worship  of  the  church. 
My  soul  longeth  for  thy  courts.  To  thee  I  look  for  a  com- 
fortable meeting  with  my  family,  and  my  friends,  O  thou 
Preserver  of  men.  Weighed  anchor  by  order  of  pilot,  at 
eight  A.M.  The  wind  was  completely  ahead,  the  day  other- 
wise fine,  the  tide  in  our  favor ;  so  we  beat  our  way  through 
the  Narrows,  amidst,  I  might  say,  a  forest  of  masts  and 
spars.  The  Bay  was  all  day  swarming  with  sails,  ships, 
brigs  and  schooners,  going  out  under  full  sail,  and  beating 
up  against  the  wind,  while  the  pilot-boats  were  skipping 
joyously  along,  in  every  direction.  The  pilot  of  the  Illinois 
brought  her  in  safety  to  the  wharf  at  Cofteehouse  Slip,  and, 
at  half  past  five  p.m.,  I  stood,  once  more,  firm  on  the  pave- 
ment of  Wall  street.  I  walked  on  directly  homeward,  and 
found  my  household  in  comfort,  but  somewhat  changed. 
There  was  an  addition  made  to  the  house  by  the  birth  of 
twins,  a  son  who  did  not  long  survive,  and  a  daughter,  who 
lives  and  thrives  on  the  mother's  knee. 


EETUEN  HOME.  407 

"Monday,  and  each  succeeding  day  for  tlie  week, 
witnessed  tlie  salutations  of  my  friends,  welcoming  me 
home  ;  and  during  a  very  wet  week,  I  found  myself  in  the 
midst  of  my  people. 

"  Sabbath  was  a  sad  storm  of  rain,  yet  I  preached  in  both 
chui'ches,  as  follows,  on  my  return  after  nine  months' 
absence,  on  a  visit  to  my  native  country : 

"  In  Chambers  street.' — ^The  text  was  from  Eom.  xiv.  10. 
'  "We  shall  all  stand  before  the  judgment-seat  of  Christ.' 

"  In  Sixth  street. — ^The  text  was  Isaiah,  Iv.  9. — '  For  as 
the  heavens  are  higher  than  the  earth,  so  are  my  ways 
higher  than  your  ways,  and  my  thoughts  than  your 
thoughts.'  " 

Having  now  seen  the  Doctor  home  in  the  bosom  of  his 
family,  in  the  feast  of  domestic  affection,  and  hearty  con- 
gratulations of  his  numerous  friends,  let  us  leave  him  for  a 
little,  and  inquire,  What  good  is  likely  to  result  from  his 
visit  to  Scotland  and  Ireland,  and  to  our  sister  churches  in 
those  lands  ? 

That  the  church  here,  sensibly  sustained  a  loss  by  his 
absence  from  his  congregation,  and  by  the  want  of  his  counsel 
in  the  judicatories  of  the  house  of  God,  will  be  admitted 
by  all  his  brethren.  Yet  it  is  confidently  believed  that  the 
public  advantage  will  far  more  than  counterbalaucc  any 
temporary  injury.  Some  of  these  may  be  enumerated  as 
follows : 

1.  A  mutual  increase  of  confidence  between  the 
Reformed  Presbyterian  Synods  in  the  British  empire,  and 
in  these  United  States. 

There  is  nothing  more  naturally  to  be  expected,  than  that 
localities  will,  in  process  of  time,  be  visited  with  divergen- 


408  lEEMOIR   OF   ALEXANDER   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

cies  of  liabits,  customs,  and   opinions.     Tlie  clifierences  in 
political  institutions,  and  character  of  government,  will  tend 
to   tlie   production   of  similar   effects.     The  sentiments   of 
individuals  and  communities  will  also  be  enlarged,  modified 
and  generalized  by  freedom  of  intercourse,  migratory  spirit, 
facility  of  procuring  subsistence,  easiness  of  circumstances, 
opportunities  of  reading,  and  mental  cultivation.     Hence  it 
would  not  be  strange,  if  those  professing  the  principles  of 
the  Reformed  Presbyterian  Church,  in  their  strictest  form, 
having  been  separated  from  each  other,  in  lapse  of  time, 
should  gradually,  but  imperceptibly,  change  some  of  the 
external  drapery  of  their  system,  while  they  retained  all  the 
essential  stamina  unaltered.     Such  gradual  and  insensible 
change   of  mere  dress  and  unimportant  forms,  may  really 
turn  to  advantage,  as  the  mass  of  the  community  are  too 
apt  to  mistake  immemorial  7'ites,  uniformly  accompanying 
the  exhibition  of  principles,  as  being  tliemselves  essentials. 
Any  deviation  by  a  person   of  more   enlarged  views,  and 
capable   of   greater  mental   abstractions,  in  such   cases,  is 
calculated  to  create  alarm,  excite  suspicion  and  jealousy, 
and  so  mar  comfort  and  usefulness.     Frequent  and  familiar 
intercourse,  among  religious  brethren,  will  have  a  tendency, 
both  to   prevent «  a  rapid  and   extensive   divergence,  and 
reciprocally  to  familiarize  to  the  use  and  practice  of  different 
and  immaterial    formalities.     This   will    keep    confidence 
unimpaired  by  unfounded  jealousies,  and  its  continuance, 
without   any  blighting  interruption,  will   necessarily  result 
in  its  increase.     For  this  foundation  was  laid  by  the  Doctor's 
visit,  in   the   establishment  of  a  plan   of   correspondence 
amongst  the   three   Synods,   of  Britain,  Ireland,   and  the 
United  States  of  America,  by  delegates  alternately  visiting 
the  respective  countries.    The  pleasure  and  the  profit  of  the 


SOLEMN  co^t:nant.  409 

mental  intercourse  lias  been  already  tasted,  and  is  found 
sweetened  by  experience. 

2.  Through  means  of  Dr.  McLeod's  visit,  an  overture  of 
a  Solemn  Covenant  and  League  has  been  agreed  to,  and 
submitted  to  the  revision  and  correction  of  the  Sister 
Synods. 

It  is  true,  we  felt  the  obligation  of  the  Solenni  League  and 
Covenant  of  1G43.  As  a  nation,  each  of  the  three  kingdoms 
is  respectively  bound  by  it ;  and  ecclesiastically  considered, 
it  embraces  in  its  obligation,  all  those  represented  in  the 
taking  of  it,  in  all  their  successions  and  affiliations.  Yet, 
it  admits  of  no  dispute,  that  the  form  is,  in  existing  circum- 
stances, applicable  to  our  church,  neither  in  any  part  of  the 
British  empire,  nor  in  the  United  States.  The  circum- 
stances are  entirely  changed,  and  to  these  the  form  of  the 
bond  ought  to  be  adapted.  Tlie  principle,  viz.,  a  solemn 
engagement,  conscientiously  to  discharge  every  duty  incum- 
bent on  us,  in  our  respective  places,  stations,  and  relations 
to  God,  to  our  neighbor  and  to  ourselves,  is  all  that  can  be 
considered  essential.  Let  the  exterior  form  and  dress  of 
this  principle  be  accommodated  to  the  exigencies  of  the 
case.  Thus  did  our  Reforming  ancestors  in  1643.  This 
privilege,  we,  their  sons  and  successors,  claim  as  our 
indisputable  right. 

Moreover,  as  one  important  part  of  the  covenant  bond  is 
"  to  promote — not  simply  to  maintain  and  preserve — unifor- 
mity of  religion,  and  ecclesiastical  order,  it  is  obvious,  it 
should  be  so  far  divested  of  local  peculiarities,  that  it  may 
embrace  various  denominations,  as  well  in  the  same,  as  in 
different  nations.  Such  was  the  character  of  the  Solemn 
League  and  Covenant.  The  nature  of  the  bond,  its  express 
phraseology,  and  its  signature  by  various  distinct  denomina- 

27 


410  MEMOIK   OF   AX,EXA1TDER   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

tioDS  of  Cliristians,  leave  this  beyond  dispute.  Had  the 
bond  contemplated  only  one  denomination,  they  might  have 
consistently  engaged  to  inaintain^  bnt  not  to  promote,  uni- 
formity of  religion. 

To  the  formation  of  such  a  bond,  divested  of  British 
peculiarities,  and  adapted  to  all  lands,  whatever  might  be 
the  nature  or  form  of  their  civil  institutions,  Dr.  McLeod 
largely  contributed,  in  his  visit  to  the  Scottish  and  Irish 
Synods.  This  bond,  in  overture,  is  now  subjected  to  the 
consideration  and  criticism  of  the  several  Synods ;  and 
should  it — as  it  is  to  be  hoped  it  will — ^be  finally  adopted, 
will  form  an  admirable  ligament  to  bind  together  these 
sister  churches,  in  the  bonds  of  ecclesiastical  union  and 
fellowship. 

The  following  is  a  copy  of  the  Covenant  as  it  came  from 
the  pen  of  Dr.  McLeod : — 

"DRAUGHT  OF  A  COVEMNT  AKD  LEAGUE, 

"  TO  BE  RECOMMENDED  TO  THE   SYNODS    OF   THE   EEFOKMED   TEES- 
BYTEEIAN   CHTJECHES  • 

"  IN  SCOTLAND,  IRELAND,  AND  AMERICA  ; 

'■''And  hj  them  enjoined  upon  their  connections  in  every  land, 
whether  descended  from  the  British  Reformers,  or  hy  volun- 
tary consent  acceding  to  their princijples. 

"Glasgow,  2\st  April,  1830. 
"  The  Synod,  convinced  of  the  duty  and  propriety  of 
immediately  taking  measures  for  uniting  the  different 
sections  of  the  Church  in  a  common  Bond,  resolved  that 
a  Draught  of  a  Covenant  be  prepared,  and  appointed  the 
Kev.  Archibald  Mason,   Dr.  McLeod,  John  Fairly,  Pro- 


PRAYER.  411 

fessor  Symington,  and  David  Armstrong,  a  Committee  to 
prepare  said  Draught,  and  to  report — tlie  Committee  to 
meet  this  evening — the  Professor  convener, 

"  A  member  of  Sjnod  is  called  to  engage  in  prayer,  for 
Divine  direction  in  this  important  matter. 

"  2M  April,  1830. 

"The  report  of  the  Committee  appointed  to  prepare  a 
Draught  of  a  Covenant  is  read.  A  member  of  Synod 
engages  in  prayer.  The  Draught  is  read,  paragraph  by 
paragraph,  and  members  make  observations,  approving  of 
the  Draught  in  general,  and  suggesting  alterations,  to  which 
the  Committee  are  requested  to  attend. 

"  The  Synod  unanimously  agrees  to  return  the  Draught 
to  the  Committee,  with  instructions  to  attend  to  the  joas- 
sages  referred  to;  to  make  such  alterations  as  they  may 
judge  to  be  expedient;  and  to  print  a  few  copies  for  the 
use  of  the  Ministers,  and  for  transmission  to  the  Sjmods 
in  Ireland  and  America,  from  which  a  Eeport  is  to  be 
requested. 

'•■  15/,^  June,  1830. 

"  The  Committee,  having  made  the  amendments  recom- 
mended by  Synod,  authorize  the  printing  of  this  Drauo-ht. 

"A.  Stmin-gton,  Convener. 
"  D.  Armstrong,  Clei^h. 

"  DRAUGUT  OF  A  COVENANT  AND  LEAGUE,  ETC. 

"  We,  whose  names  are  under-written,  inheriting  in  the 
providence  and  by  the  favor  of  God,  the  common  faith  of 
the  ancient  Confessors,  Prophets,  Apostles,  and  Martjo^, 
and  resting  our  own  souls  for  everlasting  salvation  on 
the   Covenant  of  Grace  in  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,  have 


412  MEMOIK   OF   ALEXAJSTDEK   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

upon  mature  deliberation,  determined,  after  the  example 
of  the  Church  of  God  of  old,  and  of  several  of  the  best 
Reformed  Churches,  to  give  ourselves  up  to  God  and  to 
one  another,  in  a  Solemn  Covenant  never  to  be  forgotten. 

"  Knowing  that  it  is  becoming  both  for  individuals  and 
communities  to  vow  to  the  Lord  and  to  pay  their  vows, 
persuaded  that  public  Covenanting  and  a  mutual  League, 
for  support  and  co-operation  among  the  several  parts  of  the 
Reformed  Church,  may  be  profitably  observed  :  and  believ- 
ing that  the  present  aspect  of  the'  moral  world,  and  the 
religious  ]3rospect  before  us,  invite  the  people  of  God  to 
essay  this  solemn  duty  without  unnecessary  delay  : 

"  We,  therefore,  each  one  for  himself,  with  his  hand  lifted 
up  to  the  Most  High  God,  do  swear : — 

"  1.  That  w^e  shall  really,  sincerely,  and  constantly  endea- 
vor, through  the  Grace  of  God,  in  our  several  places,  ranks, 
and  callings,  to  understand,  embrace,  preserve,  and  promote 
the  True  Religion,  as  it  is  taught  in  the  Holy  Scriptures  of 
the  Old  and  the  ISTew  Testament ;  and  that  we  shall,  with 
the  blessing  of  God,  well  and  truly  transmit  the  same  to 
posterity. 

"Assured,  ourselves,  that  this  religion  is,  in  agreeable- 
ness  to  the  Word  of  God,  summarily  set  forth  in  the  Con- 
fessions and  Catechisms  of  the  churches  of  the  Reformation, 
and  more  especially  and  comprehensively  in  the  standards 
compiled  by  the  Assembly  of  Divines  at  Westminster,  Eng- 
land, with  the  aid  of  commissioners  from  the  Church  of 
Scotland,  for  the  furtherance  of  uniformity  in  doctrine, 
"worship,  church  government,  and  discipline  among  Cln-ist- 
ians  in  the  British  empire,  and  in  all  the  nations:  we, 
accordingly,  recognize  the  faitliful  contendings  of  our  pre- 


SINS    CONFESSED.  413 

decessors  for  civil  and  religious  freedom,  and  tlie  binding 
obligation  of  tlieir  Covenants,  both  tlie  National  and  tlie 
Solemn  League,  as  originally  framed  and  sworn,  and  at 
several  times  renewed  in  tlieir  true  spirit  and  designs; 
and  abjui'ing,  witb  all  our  lieart,  whatsoever  is  known  to 
us  to  be  contrary  to  the  sacred  Scriptures,  we  shall  strive  to 
perpetuate  the  principles  of  the  Covenanted  Keformation, 
as  they  respect  the  ecclesiastical  and  the  civil  state  of  our 
fellow-men,  in  whatever  country  under  heaven. 

"  2.  That  we  come,  with  this  Oath,  into  the  presence  of 
the  Lord  God,  with  a  deep  conviction  of  his  awful  greatness 
and  glory,  of  his  omnipotence,  his  purity,  his  justice  and  his 
grace ;  with  a  sense  of  our  fall,  and  consequent  ruin,  in 
Adam  our  first  natural  head  and  public  representative ;  of 
our  guilt,  and  total  depravity  by  nature,  and  our  utter  inabi- 
lity to  save  ourselves  from  deserved  condemnation  to  ever- 
lasting punishment;  with  confession  that  we  are  sinners, 
both  by  nature  and  practice,  and  that  we  fall  short  of  the 
perfection  which  the  law  requires  in  every  attempt  to  do 
good,  we  renounce  all  dependence,  in  Avhole  or  in  part,  on 
our  own  righteousness  for  either  pardon  or  acceptance  with 
God,  and,  repenting  of  all  our  sins,  we  receive  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ  as  he  is  offered  to  us  in  the  Gospel,  in  the 
entire  extent  of  his  mediatorial  perfection,  to  be  our  Saviour; 
we  take  the  Holy  Ghost  as  our  all-sufficient  Guide,  and  God 
the  Father  to  be  our  Portion  for  ever  and  ever ;  solemnly, 
and  sincerely,  approving  and  choosing  the  Covenant  of 
Grace  as  all  our  salvation  and  all  our  desire. 

"  3.  That,  as  the  servants  of  the  Lord,  devoted  to  his  fear, 
and  bewailing  the  low  state  of  religion  in  our  hearts,  and 
lives,  and  among  our  connections,  we  shall  yield  ourselves, 
soul  and  body  and  property,  to  be  the  Lord's,  and  his  only, 


414  MEMOm   OF   ALEXANDER  MCLEOD,    D.D. 

now  and  for  ever ;  and  we  sliall  endeavor  to  obey  the  moral 
law  in  all  its  precepts  and  prohibitions ;  we  shall  strive 
through  the  Spirit  to  mortify .  sin,  resist  all  temptations, 
submit  to  the  allotments  of  Divine  Providence,  and  cultivate 
brotherly  love  and  universal  benevolence. 

"Living  to  the  glory  of  God,  as  our  chief  end,  we  will  dili- 
gently attend  to  searching  the  Scriptures,  religious  conver- 
sation, and  to  the  devotions  of  the  closet,  the  family,  and  the 
church ;  especially  the  public  ordinances  of  the  Lord's  day, 
dispensed  according  to  the  good  order  of  the  Church  of  God, 
earnestly  striving,  by  all  means  competent  to  us,  for  the 
restoration  of  the  Hebrews  to  the  city  of  the  Lord,  and  for 
the  conversion  of  the  Heathen  over  all  the  earth :  Yet  dili- 
gently persisting  in  abstaining  from  all  manner  of  inconsis- 
tency with  the  designs  of  this  Covenant, 

"  4.  That,  persuaded  of  the  sovereignty  of  the  Lord  our 
God  over  all  the  earth,  and  believing  that  the  Father  has 
appointed  the  Messiah  to  be  King  of  kings  and  Lord  of  lords, 
and  assured  that  all  nations  shall  serve  the  Eedeemer,  we 
shall  endeavor,  with  faith  and  with  hope,  to  maintain  the 
doctrine  of  Christ's  headship  over  the  civil  Commonwealth, 
whatever  the  form  of  its  polity  and  government;  we  shall 
strive,  by  our  doctrines  and  example,  to  make  every  tongue 
confess  that  Jesus  is  the  Lord ;  we  shall,  with  our  prayers 
and  our  lives,  endeavor  the  extension  and  the  maintenance 
of  all  political  institutions,  favorable  to  knowledge,  liberty 
and  righteousness,  and  consistent  with  the  rights  of  God  and 
man,  thus  promoting  the  very  end  of  civil  government,  as 
the  ordinance  of  God,  and  using  means  for  its  complete 
reformation,  by  rendering  its  constitution,  its  administration, 
and  its  laws  correspondent  with  the  laws  of  the  Lord :  in 
whatever  land  we  live  as  visitants,  as  native  or  naturalized 


CHRIST  S   HEADSHIP.  415 

subjects  or  citizens;  and  in  whatever  rank  or  capacity,  om* 
allegiance  to  Christ,  the  Lord,  shall  regulate  all  our  civil 
relations,  our  attachments,  professions  and  deportment ;  and 
by  this  our  oath,  before  God,  we  are  pledged  to  support 
whatsoever  is  for  the  good  of  the  Commonwealth  in  which 
we  dwell,  and  which  gives  us  protection,  and  pursue  this 
object  in  all  things,  not  forbidden  by  the  law  of  God,  nor 
implying  a  confederacy  with  any  immorality  of  the  consti- 
tution or  the  existing  power.  We  shall  truly  defend,  in 
every  lawful  form,  according  to  our  station  and  ability,  the 
rights  of  our  country  against  all  disorder,  usur^^ation  and 
foreign  hostility  or  aggression;  and  we  shall  continue  in 
prayer  to  God  for  the  coming  of  his  Kingdom,  in  the  over- 
throw of  all  systems  of  inicjuity,  and,  in  turning  wars  into 
peace,  by  the  universal  pacification  of  all  the  nations  of  the 
world, 

"  5.  Seeing  that  the  church,  purchased  by  the  blood  of 
the  Son  of  God,  sanctified  by  the  Spirit,  and  elected  of 
God  the  Father,  is  One,  and  that  all  the  saints  have 
communion  with  God  and  with  one  another  in  one  and 
the  same  Covenant ;  believing,  moreover,  that  the  churches 
of  God  in  every  land  should  be  oxe  in  doctrine  and 
order,  that  all  schism  is  sin,  and  all  sectarian  practice 
is  scandal,  and  firmly  trusting  that  divisions  shall  cease 
and  the  people  of  God  become,  according  to  the  promise, 
One  Catholic  Church  over  all  the  earth,  we  shall  not 
guarantee  the  continuance  of  ecclesiastical  distinctions, 
but  shall  sincerely  and  constantly  employ  our  best  exer- 
tions to  prevent  additional  schisms,  to  heal  existing  divi- 
sions and  wounds,  and  to  promote  the  peace  and  prosperity 
of  Jerusalem;  we  shall  endeavor  to  maintain  Christian 
friendship  with  pious  men  of  every  name,  co-operate  with 


416  MEMOIR   OF   ALEXANDER   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

them  consistentlj  witli  God's  law,  in  tlie  extension  of 
religious  knowledge,  pray  for  ererj  part  of  the  house- 
hold of  faith,  inquire  diligently  what  j)art  conforms  most 
to  tlie  Holy  Scriptures,  take  our  own  stand  in  that  Com- 
munion which  is  found  most  pure,  and  strive  with  patience 
and  with  perseverance  to  introduce  uniformity  in  doc- 
trine and  in  practice  among  all  the  ministers  of  Christ; 
and  we  shall  accordingly  in  our  several  places  and  sta- 
tions, encourage  all  such  consistent  correspondence,  with 
the  several  ecclesiastical  denominations  around  us,  as  may 
seem  calculated  to  bring  up  the  several  churches  together 
into  One  Holy  and  Faithful  fellowship,  maintaining  the 
unity  of  the  Spirit  in  the  bond  of  peace. 

"  6.  Persuaded  by  the  "Word  of  God,  the  everlasting  rule 
of  righteousness  to  man,  that  we  are  all  accountable 
for  the  improvement  we  make  of  our  light,  and  oppor- 
tunities ;  and  that  it  is  sinful  to  recede  from  a  more  definite 
system  of  religious  truth  and  ecclesiastical  order  to  a 
system  less  definite  and  distinct,  while  in  true  faith  and  sin- 
cere afiection  we  extend  to  all  the  hand  of  union  and  of 
cordial  friendship,  who  are  striving  to  advance  in  the  path 
of  truth  and  order,  we  shall  ourselves  '  whereunto  we  have 
already  attained  walk  by  the  same  rule  and  mind  the  same 
thing,'  without  sectarian  prejudice,  partiality  or  hy230- 
crisy. 

"  Trusting  our  strength  and  life,  our  worldly  substance, 
and  personal  safety,  and  influence,  and  honor,  to  Him 
whom  we  have  believed,  we  shall,  in  faithfulness  to  our 
fathers  and  our  children,  in  love  to  all  mankind,  espe- 
cially to  them  who  are  of  the  household  of  faith,  and  in 
obedience  to  the  Gseat  God,  the  only  Lord  of  tlie  con- 
science, bear  true  testimony  to  every  known  part  of  divine 


APPEAL   TO   GOD.  417 

truth,  and  to  every  moral  duty,  especially  to  all  the  ordi- 
nances of  the  Kew  Testament ;  we  shall  tenderly,  chari- 
bly,  plainly,  and  decidedly,  oppose  all  and  every  known 
heresy,  vice,  and  neglect  or  perversion  of  divine  institutions, 
as  witnesses  for  God,  and  in  maintaining  the  faith  once 
delivered  to  the  saints  ;  following  the  cloud  of  Glory  which 
advances  to  the  land  beyond  the  Jordan,  and  compassed  by 
so  great  a  cloud  of  witnesses  who  sealed,  with  their  blood, 
thetestimony  which  they  held. 

"  Finally,  we  take  this  our  Oath  hefore  the  Omniscient 
God,  and  ^uito  him  as  our  own  God  in  Covenant,  commend- 
ing our  cause  to  the  Christian  consideration  of  the  intel- 
ligent, the  candid,  and  the  good  of  whatever  rank  or 
name  ;  confiding  in  our  God,  and  in  one  another  by  the 
will  of  God,  on  the  true  and  sure  basis  of  the  common 
Christianity,  and  uninfluenced  by  considerations  of  any 
private  worldly  interest  whatsoever,  wo  make  these  decla- 
rations, and  this  League  and  Covenant  among  dear  breth- 
ren situated  in  different  states  and  kingdoms,  with  a 
view  to  preserve  love  and  union  among  ourselves,  and  to 
promote  the  glory  of  the  Godhead  in  the  creation  and 
sustentation  of  this  world,  and  in  the  redemption  and 
eternal  salvation  of  men,  as  the  chief  end  of  our  being  and 
our  life." 


3.  Dr.  McLeod's  visit  to  our  brethren  in  Britain  and 
L'eland,  was  refreshing  and  consolatory,  both  to  them  and 
to  the  cliurch  in  these  States.  We  have  long  been  the 
speckled  bird  in  the  forest.  The  birds  round  about,  have 
been  against  us.  The  cry,  "  come  to  devour,"  has  often 
been  raised.     And  although,  this  feeling — blessed  be  God 


418  MEMOm   OF   ALEXANDER   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

for  it — on  the  part  of  our  neighbors  is  greatly  diminished ; 
yet,  still,  there  are  points  in  our  Testimony,  which  we  feel 
conscientiously  bound  to  maintain,  calculated  to  attract 
invidious  notice.  In  such  circumstances,  how  cheering  is 
harmony  at  home !  In  wholesome  consultation  there  is  an 
increase  of  strength.  The  cultivation  of  mutual  sympathies, 
mutual  confidence,  and  mutual  hope,  calls  forth  into  active 
co-operation,  the  latent  energies  of  the  soul.  Christian 
magnanimity  arises  in  its  might ;  and  satisfied  that  the 
"  threefold-cord  is  not  quickly  broken,"  the  witnesses  for 
the  Hedeemer  march  under  the  banner  of  love,  with 
increasing  ardor,  "  to  the  help  of  the  Lord  against  the 
mighty."  Doubtless  the  hearts  of  our  Scottish  and  Irish 
fathers  and  brethren  thrilled  with  joy,  while  Dr.  McLeod,  in 
their  presence,  gave  an  interesting  detail  of  the  condition 
and  prospects  of  their  co-witnesses  in  these  United  States — 
How  "the  people  who  had  been  left  of  the  sword,  had 
found  grace  in  the  wilderness."  How  delightfully  were 
these  feelings  reciprocated,  while  hanging  upon  the  eloquent 
lips  of  Dr.  Henry,  the  very  respectable  and  valued  delegate 
from  Ireland.  Dr.  McLeod,  therefore,  in  accomplishing  the 
plan  of  regular  ecclesiastical  correspondence,  between  the 
supreme  judicatories  of  the  Reformed  Presbyterian 
churches,  in  the  British  Isles,  and  that  in  the  United  States 
of  America,  contributed  much  to  the  continuance  and 
advancement  of  comfort,  unanimit}'',  and  co-operation, 
amongst  the  brethren  on  both  sides  of  the  Atlantic. 

To  the  great  satisfaction  of  his  Philadelphia  friends,  he, 
on  the  next  week  after  his  arrival,  stole  two  or  three  days  in 
the  middle  of  it  to  pay  them  a  visit.  He  returned  home  in 
the  close  of  the  same  week  for  the  services  of  the  Sabbath. 
On  each  returning  Lord's  day,  he  performed  two  public 


I   COLUM-KILL.  419 

services,  dividing  liis  time  between  the  two  congregations. 
On  tlie  20tli  NovemLer,  lie  tlius  writes  bis  friend  in  Pbila- 
delpliia : 

"  Rev.  and  Deah  Sir  : — 

"I  send  you  a  pebble,  picked  np  in  tlie 
course  of  my  travels.  It  is  not  of  any  intrinsic  wortli, 
but  will  show  that  when  in  a  distant  land  my  thoughts 
were  on  my  friends  in  America.  The  stone  belongs  to 
the  Carnelian  denomination,  and  is  from  /  Colum-Kill, 
the  once  far-famed  island  of  Columba's  Seminary.  It  is 
more  generally  known  by  the  name  lona. 

"  I  visited,  in  company  with  many  others,  this  remarka- 
ble island,  on  Wednesday,  28th  July,  and  again  on  the  ith 
Auirust,  devotino;  more  time  to  the  examination  of  the  ruins 
of  ancient  grandeur.  lona  lies  near  the  spot  of  my  nativity, 
and  is  a  part  of  what  w^as  once  the  parish  of  my  father.  It 
is  now  supplied  with  a  neat,  new  church,  and  a  manse,  and 
under  the  pastoral  care  of  an  excellent  young  man,  son  of 
my  father's  immediate  successor,  Mr.  Campbell.  The  small 
island  is  a  beautiful  spot,  having  fertile  fields,  bounded  by 
barriers  of  granite,  which  occasionally  rise,  here  and  there, 
to  the  height  of  hills.  It  is  in  the  fractures  and  crevices 
of  the  secondary  or  tertiary  formations,  which  rest  upon  the 
floor  of  granite,  that  the  gems  and  precious  stones  have 
been  discovered  and  collected.  I  picked  up  many  at  Port 
na  Curragh,  where  the  waves  of  the  Atlantic  left  them, 
after  washing  from  the  caverns  opened  among  the  primitive 
rocks,  these  diversified  pebbles.  The  port  is  the  landing- 
place  of  the  expedition  from  Ireland,  when  this  place  was 
selected  as  the  seat  of  religion  and  literature  in  the  Ileb- 
rides,  under  the  direction  of  Columba.    The  ruins  of  magni- 


420  MEMOIR   OF   ALEXANDER   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

ficence  still  sliow  that  power,  and  wealtli,  and  science,  were 
employed  in  the  construction  of  the  several  edifices.  This 
is  the  place  of  sepnltnre  of  many  chiefs,  and  for  more  than 
forty  kings,  ISTorwegian,  Saxon,  and  French ;  Scottish,  Pic- 
tish,  and  Irish.  Tlie  walls,  and  gates,  and  steeple  of  the 
cathedral,  having  stood  the  storms  of  many  a  revolution,  as 
well  as  those  of  the  natural  elements,  for  more  than  a  thous- 
and years,  are  now  standing.  There  is  much  of  the  walls 
of  a  monastery  and  nunnery  yet  to  be  seen.  The  extensive 
refectory  is  still  observable  among  other  ruins ;  and  the  hall 
of  disputation  for  the  students  and  fellows  of  the  college, 
is  still  entire  under  its  roof  or  arch  of  stone,  showing  the 
several  niches  in  the  opposing  sides,  in  which  the  debaters 
took  their  position  before  the  elevated  seat,  on  which  the 
judges  in  learned  strife  had  their  tribunal." 

On  the  Sth.  of  December,  one  month  after  the  Doctor's 
arrival,  the  ISTorthern  Presbytery  held  a  meeting  at  Kew 
York,  which  he  was  notified  to  attend. 

Of  the  day  and  meeting,  the  following  memorandum  is 
found  among  his  notes  : 

"  On  the  Saturday  after  my  landing  in  America  from 
Europe,  13th  l!^ovember,  I  received  notice  from  the  Mod- 
erator to  attend  a  meeting  of  Presbytery  on  the  Sth  of 
December,  this  day. 

"  The  meeting  is  called,  as  stated  in  that  notice,  in  the 
language  of  the  resolution  directing  the  call,  '  for  the  pur- 
pose of  submitting  to  Dr.  McLeod  the  affairs  of  the  congre- 
gation in  New  York,  and  the  transaction  of  any  other  busi- 
ness which  may  come  before  them.' 

"To  that  business  which  respects  myself  personally,  I 


TWO   CONGREGATIONS.  421 

have  given  a  prayerful,  and  you  may  be  sure,  an  anxious 
attention :  my  resolution  is  taken ;  I  did  cherisli  the  hope  to 
see,  in  J^ew  York,  two  fine  congregations,  each  with  a  man 
of  God  as  its  ^^^vstor,  and  both  of  them  in  covenanted  love 
and  co-operation  in  our  holy  cause.  I  intimated  this  desire 
in  public  and  in  private,  and  recommended  it  to  themselves, 
by  the  advice  of  Consistory,  to  arrange  the  division  of  the 
churches,  that  either  one  or  both  might  elect  and  settle  a 
new  pastor,  or  j^astors,  at  their  pleasure.  I  failed  in  my 
attempts  to  make  an  amicable  division.  I  retired ;  and  in 
my  absence  you  have  succeeded.  They  are  now  tivo  con- 
gregations. If  they  shall  each  make  choice  of  a  new  settle- 
ment, I  submit,  ^ay,  I  will  rejoice  in  beholding,  in  a 
flourishing  state,  these  two  churches,  raised  for  God,  abiding 
in  the  good  old  wa}^  They  know,  and  yoi^  know,  that  I 
make  no  claims  upon  them  for  myself.  If  you  and  they 
choose  to  retain  my  services  to  one  of  the  parts,  make  the 
selection,  and  I  submit.  I  cannot  decide.  I  make  no 
choice.  I  love  them  both.  I  want  to  see  what  God  will, 
by  you,  order  me  to  do.  You  may  retain  me  in  any  of  the 
churches. — You  may  authorize  me  to  pitch  a  tent  in  any 
corner  of  this  city,  for  those  who  choose,  with  me,  to  form  a 
third  congregation,  or  you  may  order  me  away  far  from 
the  beloved  vineyard.  Money  I  shall  never  take  into  the 
account  current  of  my  ministry.  It  cannot,  now,  enter  into 
my  calculations.  I  think  not  of  any  sum  mentioned,  or 
unmentioned.  Ah !  if  the  love  of  money  could  have  dis- 
solved the  golden  chain  which  binds  my  heart  and  my  con- 
science to  this  church  of  my  youth,  it  had  long  since  given 
way  before  the  offer  of  greater  sums  than  can  now  be  pro- 
posed. But  if  my  Presbytery  and  my  people  choose  to  cast 
off  the  bond,  I  submit." 


4:22  ME]\rOIE   OF   ALEXANDEE   MCLEOD,    D.D 


Whether  the  above  was  delivered  to  Presbytery  viva  voce, 
or  given  in  writing,  is  not  ascertained :  but  it  is  clear,  that 
it  was,  in  some  shaj)e  or  other,  presented  to  that  judicatory. 

In  another  page,  same  day,  December  8th,  1830,  he  says, 
"  The  Northern  Presbytery  met,  and  having  submitted  the 
petitions  of  each  of  my  congregations  to  myself,  they  ad- 
journed, to  meet  in  Albany,  28th  inst. 

"These  petitions,  accompanied  with  proposals  for  future 
maintenance,  Avere  for  my  settlement  as  the  pastor  of  each 
church,  exclusively  of  the  other.  They  were  separated,  and 
each  sought  me  wholly,  to  itself.  The  Presbytery  gave  me 
time  to  deliberate.  I  did  not  take  long.  The  next  day,  the 
9th,  being  General  Thanksgiving.  I  announced  my  deci- 
sion, in  the  hearing  of  both  the  churches,  and  of  the  mem- 
bers of  Presbytery.  I  resigned  to  the  care  of  Presbytery 
the  part  of  my  people  who  chose  to  worship  in  Sixth  street, 
and  declared  my  intention  to  continue  in  Chamber  street, 
and  to  appropriate  my  ministerial  services,  as  from  the  first, 
to  the  Reformed  Presbyterian  Church,  ISTew  York." 

The  General  Thanksgiving  alluded  to  above,  had  been 
announced  by  proclamation  of  the  Governor,  and  is  thus 
noticed  by  the  Doctor. 

"  Tliis  day  is  recommended  by  the  acting  Governor,  for  an 
expression  of  the  gratitude  of  the  Christian  community  to 
the  God  of  Heaven  for  his  mercy  to  the  commonwealth 
during  the  current  year.  He  asserts,  in  his  proclamation, 
as  becometh  the  chief  magistrate  of  an  enlightened  State, 
that,  'it  is  becoming  not  only  individuals,  but  nations,  to 
prostrate  themselves  before  Him  in  humble  thanksgiving,' 
for  the  continuance  of  his  favors,  fruitful  and  healthful  sea- 


THANKSGIVING.  423 

sons — the  diffusion  of  knowledge — having  cultivated  in  ns 
a  spirit  of  charity,  and  an  enlighted  sensO  of  religious  and 
moral  duties — having  protected  us  from  foreign  vrars  and 
intestine  combinations — and  for  the  signal  manifestation  of 
his  mercy  towards  the  oppressed  people  of  other  nations. 
All  this,  in  more  words,  is  announced,  6tli  ITovemher,  1830. 
I  make  but  one  remark.  I  am  sorry  that  Governor  Throop, 
in  calling  for  religious  exercises,  has  conformed  so  far  to  the 
fashion,  as  to  avoid  mentioning  the  name  or  work  of  our 
Lord  and  Saviour.  Was  he  ashamed  of  that  name  ?  Then, 
I  pray  that  when  Christ  comes  in  glory.  He  may  not,  in 
the  presence  of  God,  be  ashamed  of  our  Governor." 

On  the  20th  of  this  same  month,  December,  the  Doctor 
writes  thus  to  Philadelj^hia : 

"  My  Deae  and  Eev.  Bkothee  : — 

"  To-morrow,  Tuesday,  at  noon,  I  pro- 
pose to  be  on  board  the  steamboat,  on  my  way  to  your  city. 
You  are  aware,  that  the  business  of  the  two  congregations 
is  decided.  I  have  informed  Dr.  Black,  that  I  accept  the 
appointment  of  Synod ;  I  have  been  too  much  engaged  as 
yet,  however,  to  make  my  arrangements  for  paper  and 
printing ;  and  I  am  sorry  that  more  latitude  was  not  granted 
in  relation  to  the  form  of  the  magazine.  In  my  own 
opinion,  a  duodecimo  would  suit  best  the  taste  and  the 
purse  of  our  people.  How  is  matter  to  be  provided  for  a 
periodical  ?  Upon  wliose  pen  is  an  editor  to  depend  ? 
variety  must  be  given.  The  labor  of  collecting  is  nearly 
equal  to  that  of  composition.  Printers,  publishers,  agents, 
are  to  be  discovered ;  the  whole  machinery  requires  busi- 
ness talents,  and  a  heavy  responsibility  still  remains  for  the 


424  MEMOIK   OF   ALEXAJSTDER  MCLEOD,    D.D. 

editor.  I  am  far  from  a  press,  and  tlie  shops  ;  I  am,  besides, 
always  disturbed  by  calls ;  and  yet  I  wisli  to  be  active,  at 
least,  I  sliall  attempt  it.     My  love  to  yom-  boiisebold. 

"  Yours,  respectfully, 

"A.  McL." 

Dr.  McLeod  Avith  liis  usual  ability  and  acceptance, 
assisted  at  the  dispensation  of  the  sacrament  of  the  Supper, 
in  Philadelphia,  Dec.  25th.  The  ^Northern  Presbytery, 
of  which  the  Doctor  was  a  member,  had  adjourned,  to  meet 
in  Albany,  on  the  28th,  to  which  he  addressed  the  following 
communication,  being  unable  to  attend  in  person. 

"  Heverend  Fathees  and  Beethken  : — 

"  However  much  I  desire  to  be  present 
in  the  courts  of  the  house  of  the  Lord,  and  to  join  with  my 
brethren  in  the  fellowship  of  Presbyterial  business,  I  pray 
you  to  excuse  my  non-attendance  at  your  present  meeting. 
My  long  absence  from  home,  the  inclemency  of  the  season 
of  the  year,  the  many  fatiguing  journeys  through  a  foreign 
land,  which  I  have  been  enduring  and  performing,  admonish 
me  to  abstain  from  the  gratification  of  seeing  you  now,  and 
of  co-operation  with  you. 

"  You  will  have  the  goodness,  my  dear  brethren,  to  accept 
my  thanks  for  the  parental  care  which  you  have  exercised 
over  my  congregation,  during  my  absence  from  the  land. 
I  lament,  feelingly,  the  personal  troubles  and  expenses  to 
which  you  were  put,  in  the  course  of  your  attention  to  the 
church  in  Kew  York  ;  and  I  acknowledge  my  obligation  to 
your  courtesy  to  me  personally,  whether  present,  or  absent, 
but  more  especially,  while  I  was  far  away.  Your  recent 
compliance   with    my   request,   for   time    to    consider  the 


THE   MOTHER    CHUKCH.  426 

proposition,  whicli  you  submitted  to  me,  requires  my 
pcarticular  acknowledgments.  Thanks  be  to  the  God  of  Zion, 
for  his  superintending  providence  over  your  deliberations, 
and  yonr  written  and  recorded  decisions  ;  and  long  may  the 
records  of  the  Eeformed  Presbyterian  Church  be  preserved, 
unstained  by  inconsiderate  opinions,  and  disorderly  decisions. 
I  now,  brethren,  in  agreeableness  to  your  directions,  respect- 
fully submit  to  you  my  reply  to  the  proposals  made  to  me, 
by  the  several  congregations  of  our  church  in  this  city. 
Aiid  I  have  lost  no  time  in  taking  measures  for  tlie  adjust- 
ment of  all  practical  questions  arising  from  the  formation  of 
my  charge  into  two  distinct  and  separate  congregations.  I 
have  resolved  to  continue  my  pastoral  charge  of  the  church 
in  Chamber  street ;  and  I  hereby  relinquish  the  church  in 
Sixth  street  entirely  to  your  care  in  the  Lord.  It  appeared 
obvious  to  me  during  the  discussions,  in  the  meeting  of 
Presbytery,  on  the  8th  inst.,  to  have  been  the  general 
expectation  and  desire  of  the  people  and  of  the  Court,  that 
I  should  surrender  my  relation  to  the  second  church,  and 
confine  it  exclusively  to  what  may  be  called  the  mother 
church.  I  take  this,  therefore,  to  be  the  will  of  the  Lord. 
You  will  all  join  me  in  fervent  supplication,  that  he  may 
now  send  prosperity. 

''To  you,  dear  brethren,  it  belongs,  as  the  guardians  of 
ministers  and  their  people,  to  attend  to  their  pecuniary 
settlements  ;  and  I,  as  an  absent  member  of  your  Court, 
advise  the  adoption  of  the  proposal  of  the  church  worship- 
ing in  Chamber  street,  just  as  it  stands. 

"  May  the  God  of  our  covenanted  fathers,  the  Lord  God 
of  Israel,  give  you  his  present  and  lasting  blessing,  is  the 
prayer  of  your  afiectionate  fellow  servant  in  the  Gospel, 

"A.  McL." 
28 


4:26  IMEMOIK   OF   ALEXANDER   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

Meanwhile,  Dr.  McLeod,  amidst  bodily  disease  and 
family  affliction,  was  bnsily  engaged  in  preparation  for 
commencing  tlie  publication  of  the  periodical,  to  the  editor- 
ship of  which  the  Synod,  in  his  absence,  had  appointed  him. 
"  Yesterday,"  he  states,  "  I  had  a  letter  from  Dr.  Elack,  but 
it  does  not  contain  an  extract  of  the  minute  of  Synod, 
making  an  appointment  to  conduct  a  periodical.  I  should 
like  to  print  such  a  document  in  my  prospectus :  and  to 
have  it  such  as  he,  the  clerk,  will  read  at  next  meeting  of 
Synod.  I  have,  indeed,  moral  evidence  of  the  appointment ; 
yet  the  times  require  something  more.  This  want  has 
hitherto  prevented  a  commencement."  He  issued  the  first 
Number  for  ■  1st  May,  mider  the  designation  of  The 
American  Christian  Expositor. 

"Whatever  may  have  been  the  merit  of  this  work — and 
certainly  it  has  just  claims  to  a  large  share  of  that  commo- 
dity— it  added  greatly  to  the  labors  of  that  distinguished 
man  wdio  was  appointed  its  editor.  Shortly  after  its 
commencement,  he  was,  in  the  good  providence  of  God, 
visited  with  disease,  incapacitating  him,  in  a  great  measure, 
for  a  considerable  time,  from  the  performance  of  the  public 
functions  of  the  ministry.  And  although,  during  the  two 
years  of  its  continuance,  partly  after  his  death,  it  possessed 
a  full  share  of  literary  respectability ;  yet, '  it  would  be 
injustice  to  the  reputation  of  the  venerable  dead,  to  suppose 
that  its  pages  sustained  no  loss  by  the  want  of  his  invaluable 
pen.  But  it  pleased  his  Master,  whom  he  served,  to  show 
in  this  affliction  his  sovereignty,  and  his  goodness.  He  was 
soon  to  be  called  home  to  the  Master's  table ;  he  is  admo- 
nished of  the  fact,  and  exhorted  to  be  ready  for  the 
summons. 

On  Monday,  the  11th  July,    1831,  at  six  o'clock,  a.m.. 


AFFLICTIONS.  427 

tlie  Doctor  suffered  a  paralytic  stroke,  affecting  the  entire 
left  side.  The  Kev,,  now  Dr.,  Henry,  of  Newton  Ards,  the 
delegate  to  our  Synod,  and  Mr.  John  McMaster,  a  licentiate 
— now  ordained  to  a  pastoral  charge  in  Schenectady' — • 
preached  for  him  the  ensuing  Sabbath. 

On  Tuesday,  22d,  he  set  out  for  Saratoga  Springs,  leaving 
Mr.  McMaster  behind,  who  preached  for  him,  on  the  24:th 
of  the  same  month.  He  returned  home  on  Friday,  29th, 
somewhat  relieved.  On  Sabbath,  his  pulpit  was  occupied  in 
succession  by  Drs.  McMaster  and  Henry;  and  Messrs. 
Gavin  McMillan,  and  Alexander  Clarke,  the  latter  from  the 
Province  of  !New  Brunswick. 


428        MEMOIR  OF  ALEXANDER  MOLEOD,  D.D. 


CHAPTEE    XYII. 
1832. 

From  the  meeting  of  Synod  in  Philadelphia,  August  3d,  1831,  until  the  year 

1833. 

DocTOK  McLeod  had  so  far  recovered  from  the  affection 
above  mentioned,  that,  though  feeble,  he  was  able  generally 
to  attend  the  several  sessions  of  Synod,  during  this  meeting. 
On  one  of  these  he  was  desired  by  Synod  to  favor  the  Court 
with  some  account  of  his  visit  to  the  Scottish  and  Irish 
judicatories,  on  the  year  preceding.  "This,"  says  the 
minute  on  that  subject,  "the  Doctor  did,  in  a  clear  and 
satisfactory  manner,  stating  his  observations  on  the  churches 
on  both  sides  of  the  channel,  with  a  detail  of  their  proceed- 
ings, while  he  visited  them.  He  then  presented  a  paper 
containing  the  remarks  of  the  Irish  committee  on  the  draft 
of  the  Covenant,  to  the  Scottish  committee,  together  with 
their  answer,  referring  to  the  information  about  to  be  given 
by  the  delegate  from  the  Irish  Synod. 

"Mr.  Henry,  said  delegate,  then  proceeded  to  address  the 
Court,  in  a  very  affectionate  manner ;  and  in  a  strain  of  true 
eloquence,  he,  for  himself,  and  for  the  Synod  which  he  repre- 
sented, reciprocated  the  fraternal  sympathies  of  this  Synod  ; 
while  he  earnestly  desired  that  the  bonds  of  affection,  and 
mutual  co-operation,  might  be  drawn  tighter  and  tighter ; 


EMINENT   SEKVICES.  429 

and  every  energy  directed  to  the  proper  consideration  of 
the  great  work  of  the  Covenant. 

"The  Court,  then,  as  a  token  of  high  esteem,  cordial, 
affection,  and  sincere  welcome,  gave  individually  to  Mr. 
Henry,  the  right  hand  of  fellowship. 

"  The  Eev.  Alexander  Clarke,  missionary  from  the  Irish 
Synod  to  the  Provinces  of  'New  Brunswick  and  Kova 
Scotia,  in  British  America,  who,  being  present,  had  been 
invited  to  a  seat  in  the  Synod,  was  requested  to  favor  the 
Court  with  an  account  of  his  missionary  movements,  so  far 
as  he  might  think  proper  to  disclose  them.  This  he  did,  in 
a  prompt  and  satisfactory  manner. 

"  On  motion,  the  Court,  through  their  moderator,  de- 
clared their  high  satisfaction  at  the  displays  of  information 
and  good  feeling  afforded  them,  and  expressed  their 
unfeigned  thankfulness  to  the  delegate  from  the  Irish  Synod, 
the  Eev.  Mr.  Henry  ;  to  the  Ii'ish  missionary  to  the  British 
Provinces,  the  Eev.  Alexander  Clarke ;  and  to  the  Eev. 
Dr.  McLeod,  for  the  eminent  services  rendered  to  the 
church  by  his  visit  to  Europe. 

"  On  motion,  it  was  Resolved/ — ^That  this  Synod  highly 
appreciate  all  the  services  of  the  Eev.  Doctor  McLeod, 
in  his  intercourse  with  the  Scottish  and  Irish  Synods, 
on  his  late  visit  to  the  British  empire  ;  and  it  does  hereby 
recognize  them,  as  if  they  had  been  clothed  with  official 
authority. 

"  On  motion.  Resolved — ^That  the  Synod  express  their 
thanks  to  the  sister  judicatories  in  Britain  and  Ireland, 
for  the  affectionate  and  respectful  manner  in  which  they 
received  our  delegate,  the  Eev.  Doctor  McLeod. 

"  Resol/ved — ^That  this  Synod  duly  appreciates  the  promp- 
titude   with   which    the    sister    judicatories    in    Scotland 


430  MEMOm  OF  ALEXAKDEE  MCLEOD,   D.D. 

and  Ireland  appointed  delegates  to  attend  this  meeting, 
and  they  much  regret  that  the  Scottish  delegate  has  not  yet 
been  able  to  appear  on  their  floor,  in  company  with  the 
highly  respectable  delegate  from  Ireland." 

At  this  meeting,  it  was  on  motion,  Mesolved — "That  this 
Synod  recommend  that  the  point  of  difference  on  the  appli- 
cation of  our  Testimony,  and  principles  to  the  civil  insti- 
tutions of  these  United  States,  be  discussed  through  the 
medium  of  the  Ameeican  Chkistiajs"  Expositor,  mider  the 
head  of  free  Discussions  /  and  that  every  member  of  Synod 
have  full  liberty  to  avail  himself  of  this  vehicle." 

It  is  but  justice  to  both  parties  in  this  unhappy  dis- 
pute, to  state  that  they  expressed  their  sentiments  freely, 
and  without  reserve,  on  both  sides  of  the  question,  openly 
on  the  floor  of  Synod.  A  firm  conviction  that  the 
United  States  government  was  the  ordinance  of  God,  was 
publicly  avowed,  and  by  others  denied.  All  that  was  asked 
on  the  one  side,  was  mutual  forbearance  in  the  mean 
time,  and  friendly  and  free  discussion.  Had  this  been 
allowed  by  the  other,  our  community  might  still  have  con- 
tinued one  united  band,  and  the  unhappy  secession  been 
prevented.  Then  the  demon  of  discord  should  have  flung 
in  her  apple  in  vain.  All  Doctor  McLeod's  influence 
was  employed  on  the  side  of  forbearance.  His  position 
was,  that  the  disputed  points  on  civil  relations  should  not  be 
made  terms  of  communion. 

The  Synod  adjourned  on  the  12th,  and  the  members 
returned  to  their  respective  homes.  The  tendency  to 
divergence   had  been  increasing,  and  was  likely  to   con- 


DOMESTIC   AFFLICTION.  431 

tinue  to  increase.  Indeed,  there  was  scarcely  a  ray  of  hope 
that  the  next  meeting  to  be  hekl  in  Philadelphia,  on  the  first 
Wednesday  of  August,  1833,  at  7  o'clock,  p.m.,  would 
find  less  discrepancy  in  their  sentiments,  or  less  repulsion 
in  their  feelings  towards  each  other,  than  they  now  enter- 
tained.— How  lamentable !  Brethren  who  had  so  Ions: 
co-operated  with  each  other,  so  harmoniously,  in  the 
promotion  of  Zion's  interests,  now  seemed  to  forget, 
"  how  good  and  how  pleasant  a  thing  it  is  for  brethren 
to  dwell  together  in  unity !"  But  ere  that  meeting  took 
place,  the  subject  of  this  memoir  was  gathered  to  his 
fathers,  and  had  laid  down  the  sword  which  he  had 
so  long,  so  skillfully,  and  so  faithfully  wielded,  and  had  put 
on  the  crown  of  glory  and  immortality.  Under  a  compli- 
cation of  diseases,  remains  of,  or  aggravated  by  the 
paralytic  affection,  and  a  slow  progressive  hydrothorax, 
he  gradually  sunk,  until  he  resigned  his  spirit  unto  God 
who  gave  it.  But  ere  this  dear  saint  and  champion 
for  his  Lord  slept  in  Jesus,  he  had  still  various  bitter 
cups  to  drink,  while  his  God  was  weakening  his  strength  by 
the  way.  See  this  brief  note,  extracted  from  his  Jour- 
nal.— "ISText  week  after  Synod,  the  church  in  Chamber 
street  was  undergoing  some  repairs.  I  passed  on  to  the 
Springs,  where  I  remained  until  Monday,  29tli,  and  on 
Wednesday,  31st,  I  came  home.  I  fouud  my  youngest 
child,  Mary  Flora,  ill  of  cholera  infantum.  She  departed 
this  life  on  Thursday,  8th  of  September,  and  left  an  infirm 
and  afliicted  father  to  mourn  the  loss  of  an  interesting 
child,  who  had  not  yet  completed  her  first  year. — '  The  ways 
of  Providence  are  wise  and  good,  but  to  us  they  are  myste- 
rious, and  often  searching  and  painful.'  "  On  the  next  day, 
lie  thus  proceeds  in  his  reflections: 


432  MEMOIR   OF   AJLEXAJSTDER   MCLEOD,    D.D, 

"  This  day  two  months,  I  received  a  stroke  from  the  hand 
of  God,  which  in  a  great  degree  disabled  me  from  per- 
forming my  usnal  services.  During  that  time  the  Lord  has 
been  pleased  to  furnish  his  people,  in  the  churcli,  with 
various  instructions  from  diiferent  ministers.  The  embassy 
of  reconciliation  has  continued  towards  them,  and  been 
delivered  aifectionately  by  his  servants,  chosen  from  distant 
and  adjacent  places,  for  that  purpose.  To  his  name,  praise. 
is  due." 

On  the  preceding  day,  the  Doctor  had  thus  written  to  his 
friend  in  Philadelphia  : 

"  My  journey  to  Saratoga  did  not  occupy  much  time. 
It  was  not  altogether  without  advantages,  however,  and 
some  enjoyment.  You  will  have  been  told  that  personal 
infirmities,  and  mental  depression,  induced  me  to  separate 
from  Dr.  Black  and  Mr.  Henry,  and  return  home,  while 
they  were  on  their  way  to  Eufiialo  and  Pittsburg.  You 
will  also  have  learned  that  since  my  return,  I  have  endured 
new  troubles  and  loss,  as  the  visitation  which  deprived  me 
of  my  little  Mary,  my  pretty  and  blooming  blossom," 

During  this  fall  and  the  following  spring,  the  Doctor's 
complaint  had  several  intervals  of  mitigation  ;  and  he  still 
continued,  even  beyond  his  ability,  to  endeavor  the  discharge 
of  his  pastoral  duties.  Though  able  to  write  little  himself, 
beyond  what  was  necessary  for  the  magazine  he  edited,  he 
received  many  friendly  communications  from  correspondents 
abroad,  from  Scotland  and  Ireland,  from  brethren  in  the 
ministry,  and  learned  professors  of  universities,  which 
cannot  be  here  inserted,  but  whicli  indicate  the  great  esteem 
in  which  he  was  held. 


EVENTFUL   YEAH.  433 

The  year  1832,  was  one  of  the  most  eventful  in  our 
ecclesiastical  history.  The  General  Synod,  in  accommoda- 
tion to  the  supposed  necessities  of  our  ecclesiastical  connec- 
tions, had,  at  its  last  meeting  in  Philadelphia,  ordered  the 
organization  of  two  Sub-Synods^  to  be  denominated  Eastern 
and  Western,  divided  by  the  Backbone  Eidge  of  the  Apala- 
chian  Mountains.  In  pursuance  of  that  injunction,  the 
constituent  members  of  the  Eastern  Sub-Synod  met  on  the 
24th  April,  in  the  Sixth  street  church,  Kew  York,  and 
constituted  by  prayer,  by  the  senior  member,  the  Rev.  Wm. 
Gibson,  who  was  subsequently  chosen  as  moderator.  But 
for  the  use  unhappily  made  of  tliis  body,  all  differences  of 
sentiment  respecting  civil  relations,  according  to  the  order 
of  General  Synod,  might  have  been  argued  in  the  A.  C. 
Expositor,  under  the  appropriate  head  of  Free  Discussions, 
and,  if  necessary,  finally  adjudicated  by  the  Supreme 
Judicator3^ 

To  make  this  subject  intelligible  to  the  reader,  it  will  be 
necessary  to  trace  a  little  back,  the  origin  of  the  vexing 
controversy  which  so  painfully  agitated  that  meeting  of  the 
Eastern  Sub-Synod,  and  which  afterwards  led  to  a  secession 
from  the  Reformed  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United 
States.  That  this  controversy,  in  its  origin,  progress,  and 
results,  is  intimately  connected  with  the  subject  of  this 
memoir,  the  sequel  will  abundantly  testify. 

Dr.  McLeod's  health  was  at  this  period  gradually  becom- 
ing more  infirm.  He  was  now  generally  confined  to  his 
chamber,  and  was  not  able  to  attend  the  meeting  of  Sub- 
Synod  on  April  24th,  1832,  although  it  held  its  sessions  in 
Sixth  street,  a  few  squares  from  his  own  dwelling.  He  was, 
however,  sufiiciently  well  to  be  able  to  converse  with  his 
brethren,  and  to   give  his   opinion   and  advice  on  every 


434:  MEMOm   OF   ALEXANDER   MC  LEOD,    D.D. 

measure  of  importance,  wliicli  occurred  at  that  eventful 
crisis.  Among  the  transactions  of  that  meeting,  one  of  very 
considerable  public  interest,  to  Dr.  McLeod's  congregation, 
as  the  event  afterwards  showed,  was,  the  unanimous  grant, 
on  the  part  of  the  Sub-Synod,  of  a  petition  of  the  Session  of 
the  church  in  Chamber  street.  This  petition  ex]3ressed  also 
the  desire  of  Dr.  McLeod,  that  for  two  or  three  months,  or 
during  his  present  indisposition,  his  pulpit  should  be  sup- 
plied, and  that  such  supply  should  be  by  his  son,  the  Rev. 
John  ]^.  McLeod. 

A  committee  was  appointed  at  this  period  to  draft  a  pas- 
toral letter  to  the  churches,  which  was  reported  on  next  day, 
accepted,  and  the  consideration  of  it  made  the  order  of  the 
day  for  the  afternoon. 

The  order  of  the  day,  in  the  afternoon  being  called  up, 
the  pastoral  address  was  read,  paragraph  by  paragraph,  and 
after  considerable  debate,  the  first,  second,  third  and  sixth 
paragraphs  were  adopted.  Upon  motion  to  expunge  the 
fourth  and  fifth,  the  discussion  was  long  and  animated;  and 
on  taking  the  question,  it  was  found  that  the  Synod  refused 
to  adopt  them,  by  a  majority  of  one.  Three  of  our  ministers 
were  absent,  Dr.  McLeod,  and  Messrs.  John  Gibson  and 
John  Fisher.  The  moderator,  the  Eev.  Wm.  Gibson,  was 
then  an  advocate  for  the  pastoral  address,  and  every  senti- 
ment contained  in  it.  The  notes  afterwards  appended  to  the 
address,  he,  of  course,  had  not  then  seen ;  but  when  printed, 
in  proof-sheet,  and  read  to  him,  paragraph  by  paragraph,  he 
declared  his  cordial  approbation  of  the  whole,  and  to  use  his 
own  words,  said,  "  Enrol  my  name  with  the  rest  who  ap- 
prove. I  feel  it  my  duty  and  honor,  to  add  my  signature." 
Thus,  of  the  four  ministers  who   did  not  vote,  viz..  Dr. 


PASTOKAL   LETTER.  435 

McLeod,  Rev.  "Wm.  Gibson,  John  Gibson  and  John  Fislier, 
the  last  gentleman  alone,  as  it  subsequently  appeared,  was 
o^jposed  to  the  unadopted  part  of  the  address.  Of  the  actual 
number  of  ministers  belong  to  the  Sub-Synod,  there  were 
two  of  a  majority,  in  favor  of  the  pastoral  letter.  One  of 
the  others.  Rev.  Robert  Gibson,  declared  openly  in  Court, 
that  it  was  not  the  sentiments  contained  in  the  address  that 
he  opposed,  for  they  were  his  own ;  but  only  the  manner  of 
its  introduction.  This  address,  therefore,  expressed  the 
sentiments,  not  of  a  minority  of  Sub-Synod,  but  had  the  full 
approbation  of  a  majority^  by  two. 

It  would  not  be  doing  justice  to  our  lamented  brother, 
Dr.  McLeod,  to  omit  mentioning  that  the  sentiments  con- 
tained in  the  pastoral  address,  had  his  cordial  approbation. 
That  document  was  read  to  him,  in  his  chamber,  previously 
to  its  presentation  in  Synod,  and  would  have  received  his 
support  had  he  been  able  to  attend. 

It  was  declared  by  its  advocates,  that  the  unadopted  part 
of  the  address  would  be  published.  To  this  it  was  replied, 
"  To  be  sure,  you  may  print,  but  it  must  be  on  your  own 
responsibility,"  or  words  to  that  effect.  The  minority,  after 
the  close  of  the  Synod,  proceeded  to  a  private  house,  and 
unanimously  resolved  that  the  document  should  be  pub- 
lished entire,  with  appropriate  notes  annexed,  explanatory 
of  such  parts  as  might  require  further  elucidation.  It  was 
published  accordingly,  and  has  received  its  full  share  both 
of  praise  and  blame,  from  persons  into  whose  hands  it  has 
fallen,  as  well  as  from  mau}^  who  have  never  seen  it.  It  is 
obvious,  that  had  there  been  a  disposition  to  adopt  the  parts 
that  were  rejected,  they  might  have  been  purged  of  objec- 
tionable expressions,  which  the  publishers  did  not  consider 
themselves  at  liberty  to  alter.  To  this  purgative  process 
the  writer  would  have  most  cheerfully  acceded. 


436  MEMOIR   OF   ALEXANDER   MCLEOD,    D,D 


As  this  documeut  has  been  tlie  subject  of  much  miscon- 
struction, it  may  not  be  thought  improper  here  to  j^resent 
the  opinions  and  criticisms  of  several  learned,  eminent,  and 
highly  respectable  editors,  of  valuable  religious  periodicals. 

The  Eev.  Mr.  Burt,  editor  of  the  Presbyterian,  published 
in  Philadelphia,  makes  the  following  remarks  on  it,  June 
2Tth,  1832 : 

"  Reformed  Presbyterian  Church : — We  have  lying  before 
us  '  The  original  draught  of  a  Pastoral  Address,  from  the 
Eastern  Sub-Synod  of  the  Reformed  Presbyterian  Church.' 
It  is  a  valuable  document,  as  it  shows  that  in  this  very 
respectable  body  of  Presbyterians  there  is  an  unaltered 
unanimity,  in  mind  and  heart,  in  all  the  principles  of  the 
Gospel,  so  gloriously  testified  to,  and  defended  by  their 
covenanting  forefathers.  A  portion  of  this  '  original 
draught'  was  not  adopted  by  the  Synod,  there  being, 
in  the  motion  to  expunge  it,  13  yeas,  and  12  nays.  The 
part  expunged  has  reference  chiefly  to  the  relation  of  the 
Reformed  Presbyterian  Church,  considered  as  an  ecclesi- 
astical community,  to  the  civil  institutions  of  the  United 
States,  involving  certain  scruples  about  the  Constitution,  and 
the  unlawfulness  of  holding  offices  under  it.  The  para- 
graphs which  were  so  near  being  adopted,  and  sent  down 
to  the  churches  by  the  Synod,  contain  a  vindication  of  the 
Constitution  and  government  of  the  United  States  against 
certain  objections ;  and  also  exhortations  to  fraternal  for- 
bearance, when  diflerent  views  may  exist  on  these  eccle- 
siastico-political  points.  Although  this  part  of  the  original 
address  has  been  expunged,  a  testimony  of  respect  to  free 
institutions  of  our  country  is  retained;  and  we  trust  that 
mutual  forbearance,  with  regard  to  a  point  which  does  not 
affect  any  fundamental  principle  of  the  Gospel,  will   not 


FORBEAKANCE.  437 

be  less  exercised  because  the  recommeudatiou  to,  blended 
as  it  was  with  the  subject  of  diflerence,  happened  to  be 
expunged. 

"  The  Pastoral  Address,  as  adopted,  breathes  an  excellent 
spirit,  and  is  written,  generally,  in  a  style  of  uncommon 
vivacity  and  power.  We  subjoin  the  second  paragraph, 
whereby  our  readers  will  perceive  the  interest  with  which 
the  Synod  regards  the  monuments  of 

"  THE   PRESENT  AGE. 

'■^  Dear  Brethren : — It  requires  no  extraordinarv  deirree 
of  sagacity,  or  very  extensive  range  of  observation,  to  per- 
ceive that  our  lots  have  fallen  in  a  very  eventful  period. 
The  present  is,  indeed,  a  time  when  many  run  to  and  fro, 
and  we  may  add,  knowledge  is  increased.  A  spirit  of  activ- 
ity, inquiry,  and  discussion,  has  gone  abroad  into  the  world, 
which  promises  mighty  and  stupendous  results.  Within  the 
last  forty  years,  events  of  overwhelming  magnitude  have 
transpired.  Benevolent  institutions  of  every  kind  have 
multiplied  with  unparalleled  rapidity.  Missionary  and 
Bible  societies  have  been  established;  Sabbath  schools 
and  education  associations  have  been  instituted  and  culti- 
vated with  a  zeal  and  perseverance  worthy  of  the  highest 
praise.  All  disposable  funds  of  industry,  in  every  shape, 
and  wealth  of  every  species,  have  been  put  in  requisition 
for  the  diffusion  of  Biblical  knowledge.  Tlie  current  of 
public  sentiment,  with  a  velocity  accelerated  by  fresh 
accessions  of  force,  has  swollen  into  a  majestic  flood, 
bearing  down  all  opposition.  Tliis  mighty  stream,  com- 
mingling with  the  waters  which  issue  from  the  j:lireshold 
of  the  sanctuary,  and  purified  by  their  salutary  influence 
diffuses   melioration,   health,   and  fertility,   through   every 


438  MEMOm   OF   ALEXAiq^DER   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

part  of  its  progress.  Even  the  haters  of  the  Lord,  in 
many  instances,  have  feigned  submission,  and  through 
them  contributions  to  Christianity  have  been  levied  upon 
the  empire  of  the  God  of  this  world.  The  wealth  of  Egypt 
adorns  the  tabernacle  of  the  Lord.  The  great,  the  small, 
the  potentate,  the  peasant,  have  thus  mingled  their  gift  in 
the  sanctuary.  Mankind  are  awaking  from  the  slumber 
of  ages ;  they  have  begun  to  think,  and  are  to  avow  their 
belief  in  the  fact,  of  which  for  ages  they  scarcely  once 
dreamed — that  they  are  men.  The  clouds  of  ignorance 
and  prejudice,  which  for  many  centuries  bewildered  the 
unthinking  multitude,  are  fast  dissolving  before  the  genial 
beams  of  reason  and  evangelical  truth.  The  thrones  of 
despotism,  and  the  phantoms  of  kingly  legitimacy,  are 
fast  hastening  to  a  common  grave.  The  fabrics  of  tyranny, 
established  in  wickedness,  supported  by  prejudice  and  injus- 
tice, and  cemented  by  priestcraft,  are  convulsed  to  their 
very  base,  and  crumbling  into  ruin.  The  Bible — the  Bible, 
the  great  panacea  of  the  nations,  the  light  of  divine  truth 
is  effecting  this  wonderful  revolution.  And  the  signs  of 
the  times,  in  conjunction  with  the  intimations  of  prophecy, 
clearly  announce  the  speedy  approach  of  a  new  era,  "  when 
the  kingdoms  of  this  world  shall  become  the  kingdoms  of 
our  Lord  and  of  his  Christ,  and  Zion  shall  become  a  praise 
in  the  earth." 

The  following  observations  are  from  the  pen  of  Doctor 
Ely,  the  very  respectable  editor  of  the  PniLADELPHiAir,  men- 
tioned above. 

"  DIVERSITY   OF   OPINION  IN  THE  EEFOEMED  PEESBYTEEIAN 
CnUECH. 

"  If  any  section  of  the  visible  Church  of  Christ  in  our 


EEEOK   COREECTED.  439 

country  might  reasonably  be  desirous  of  a  union  of  church 
and  state,  it  must  be  that  denominated  the  Reformed  Pres- 
hyterian,  composed  of  people  commonly  called  Covenanters. 
Indeed,  in  our  ignorance,  we  once  tliouglit  tliat  tlie  princi- 
ples of  tliat  denomination  could  lead  to  nothing  short  of  an 
ecclesiastical  establishment  of  their  own  denomination,  as 
the  only  tolerated  religious  and  civil  community.  But  our 
error  has  been  corrected  by  the  perusal  of,  '  The  Oeiginal 
Draft  of  a  Pastoral  Address,'  from  the  Eastern  Sub-Synod 
of  that  body  of  Christians,  to  which  we  invite  the  attention 
of  our  readers. 

"  To  the  Synod  appertain  iiineteen  ministerial  members,  of 
whom  sixteen,  with  ten  ruling  elders,  were  present  at  its 
constitution  in  ]Srew  York,  in  April  last. 

"The  Kev.  Samuel  B.  Wylie,  D.D.,  as  chairman  of  a. 
committee  appointed  for  the  purpose,  prepared  the  following 
Pastoral  Addeess,  from  the  Synod.      They,  by  a  majority 
of  one,  voted  to  expunge  the  portion  which  is  included  in 
the  brackets.     Had  the  moderator  voted,  there  would  have 

been   a  tie;    or  had  the  Kev.  J W ,  whose  late 

political  sermon  is  severely  censured  in  the  address,  declined 
voting,  in  a  case  of  deep  personal  interest,  there  would  have 
been  a  tie,  and  the  moderator's  vote  would  have  retained  the 
expunged  paragraphs.  How  the  absent  members,  Rev. 
Alex.  McLeod,  Kev.  John  Gibson  of  Baltimore,  and  Mr. 
John  Fisher,  would  have  voted,  had  they  been  present,  we 
cannot  say ;  but  from  our  knowledge  of  the  good  sense  of 
the  two  former  gentlemen,  we  conclude  they  would  have 
been  in  favor  of  the  liberal  and  only  practical  bearing  of 
their  princij^les  on  civil  government,  which  Dr.  Wylie  has 
embodied  in  his  draft.  With  the  address,  as  a  whole,  we  are 
much  pleased ;  and  thiuk  it  ought  to  meet  the  approbation 


4:40  MEMOIR   OF   ALEXANDER   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

of  every  lover  of  civil  and  religious  liberty,  wlio  would  wish 
all  men,  in  all  stations,  to  be  governed  by  the  maxims  of 
Christianity,  while  they  interfere  with  the  civil  rights  of 
none  who  oppose  the  Christian  religion.  We  are  informed 
in  a  prefatory  notice,  that  by  a  unanimous  resolution  of 
the  minority  of  the  Synod,  '  The  entire  address,  as  originally 
reported,  was  ordered  to  be  published,  with  such  notes  and 
illustrations,  as  might  be  required  :  and  it  now  appears  on 
their  own  responsibility,  as  expressive  of  their  sentiments  on 
the  momentous  subjects  to  which  it  alludes,  and  as  indi- 
cating the  true  course  of  policy  to  be  pursued  by  the  He- 
formed  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States.' 

"We  hail  it  as  the  liberal  Testimony  of  enlightened 
Covenanters,  in  the  present  age  of  increasing  light  and  refor- 
mation." 

Dr.  Ely  then  gives,  in  his  periodical,  the  %oliol6  address, 
in  its  original  form,  with  all  the  explanatory  notes  appended 
to  it. 

It  would  appear  that  the  question  about  the  jpuWication 
of  the  pastoral  address,  may  be  resolved  into  some  one  of 
three  following : 

First.  Had  the  members  in  the  minority  a  right  to  pub- 
lish the  expunged  part  ? 

Secondly.  Suppose  they  had  the  right,  was  it  prudent  for 
them,  in  existing  circumstances,  to  exercise  it? 

Thirdly.  Were  the  sentiments  contained  in  it  heretical? 

First.  With  regard  to  the  first  of  these  questions,  hear  the 
opinion  of  General  Synod,  at  its  next  meeting.  "  The  pub- 
lication of  the  original  draft  of  the  Pastoral  Address,  could 
not,  in  itself,  be  criminal.  It  was  a  part  of  the  minutes,  and 
as  such,  was  authorized  by  Synod  to  be  pubhshed.     Yiew- 


EIGHT   TO   PUBLISH.  441 

ing  tlie  publication  of  the  matter  simply,  it  seems  of  little 
consequence  in  what  form  it  appeared;  whether  in  the 
body  of  the  minutes  or  in  a  separate  pamphlet." 

On  this  point  of  order,  too,  we  have  various  precedents 
on  record.  The  case  of  the  rejected  articles  of  correspon- 
dence with  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church,  by  the  late  venerable  chairman  of  the  committee 
who  reported  them,  is  full  in  point.  And  who  ever 
imagined  that  Thomas  Jeiferson,  in  publishing  the  original 
draft  of  the  Declaration  of  Independence,  acted  in  contempt 
of  Congress,  in  1776 !  All  of  these  were  published  as 
historical  documents  ;  and  so  was  the  original  draft  of  the 
pastoral  address.  It  either  constituted  a  part  of  the  Synod's 
minutes  (not  sitting  with  closed  doors,  or  injunction  of 
secresy),  and  consequently  might  be  published,  or  was 
entirely  rejected  by  that  Court,  and,  of  course,  reverted  to 
its  authors  to  do  with  it  whatever  they  might  deem  proper, 
upon  their  own  responsibility.  Moreover,  its  publication 
was  considered  as  embraced  under  the  head  of  Free  Discus- 
sions^ authorized  and  recommended  by  general  Synod  at  its 
last  meeting ;  and  to  that  Court  only,  the  signers  of  the 
original  draft,  on  the  merits  or  demerits  of  their  conduct,  in 
that  particular,  considered  themselves  amenable. 

2.  But,  although  the  right  of  publishing  the  original  draft 
should  be  conceded,  yet,  was  it  prudent,  in  existing  circum- 
stances, to  publish  what  had  been  expunged  by  vote  of 
Synod  ? 

To  this,  it  may  be  briefly  replied,  that  the  sentiments  of 
the  minority  had  been  greatly  misrepresented.  It  was  neces- 
sary to  declare  them,  and,  but  for  the  publication  of  the 
original  draft,  the  principal  object  of  the  address  would 
have  been  entirely  frustrated.     The  signers  of  the  address 

29 


442  MEMOIR   OF   ALEXA2TDBI1   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

had,  towever,  particulai'ly  in  view  the  relief  of  the  church 
to  which  they  belonged,  from  the  public  odium  which  had 
arisen  out  of  the  attacks,  made  in  certain  notorious  Albany 
pamphlets  on  General  Washington,  and  other  high  func- 
tionaries of  government,  as  well  as  from  the  misrepresen- 
tations contained  in  those  caricatures  of  Reformation 
principles  ;  and,  that  the  responsibility  should  devolve  upon 
the  author  of  those  pamphlets,  and  his  abettors.  Kow,  it 
is  by  no  means  clearly  evident  how  these  objects  could 
have  been  effected  by  the  suppression  of  that  document. 
But  how  seldom  do  opposing  parties  coincide  in  their  views 
of  the  prudence  or  propriety  of  each  other's  -premises !  Let 
the  disinterested  and  the  impartial  decide  this  question. 

3.  The  next  inquiry  is,  were  the  sentiments  contained  in 
the  address,  untrue  in  fact  ^  or  heretical  injprinciple  ? 

With  regard  to  the  matters  of  fact,  it  may  be  observed, 
that,  notwithstanding  the  merciless  ordeal  through  which 
the  address  has  been  obliged  to  pass,  it  has  come  forth 
unscathed  ;  it  has  not  been  convicted  even  of  a  single  false- 
hood. And,  on  the  score  of  religious  principles,  involved 
in  our  terms  of  ecclesiastical  communion,  we  appeal  to  the 
testimony  of  the  Prorenatans  themselves.  Let  it  here  be 
kept  in  remembrance,  that  the  entire  address  was  twice  read 
in  Synod ;  and  one  of  these  two  times,  paragraph  by  para- 
graph, for  adoption  or  rejection.  All  the  members,  there- 
fore, had  an  opportunity  of  being  acquainted  with  its 
contents ;  and  in  the  seventh  page  we  find  these  words, 
passed  and  sanctioned  by  these  brethren  :  "  What  reason 
have  we  to  rejoice,  and  humbly  thank  the  Lord,  that  amidst 
all  the  collisions  and  dissensions  in  opinion,  which  have 
been  for  some  time  past  rending  surrounding  sections  of  the 
church  of  the  Redeemer,  and  extending  far  and  wide  their 


UNITY   AFFIRMED.  443 

baneful  influence  !  We  are  assured  tliat  the  ministers  and 
people  of  our  churches  continue  unanimous  in  their 
religious  principles.  On  all  the  grand  fundamental  topics, 
they  are  of  one  heart  and  mind.  There  is  no  relinquish- 
ment of  any  doctrine  for  which  the  martyrs  bled  and  died. 
All  believe  and  teach  the  same  principles,  as  contained  in 
our  subordinate  standards,  exhibiting  a  summary  of  Scripture 
truth.  For  this  we  would  bless  and  magnify  the  Lord. 
Join  with  us,  dear  brethren,  in  praising  His  name,  that  there 
is  observed,  everywhere,  among  our  connections,  the  strictest 
adherence  to  our  system  of  orthodoxy,  not  only  in  the 
United  States,  but  also,  as  far  as  we  know,  among  our 
covenanted  connections  in  Britain  and  Ireland." 

Li  the  adopted  part  of  the  address,  diversity  of  views,  in 
the  application  of  our  principles,  is  expressly  admitted  ;  yet 
the  Prorenatan  brethren,  by  their  adoption  and  sanction  of 
it,  declare — "  That  such  a  diversity  is  perfectly  consistent 
with  all  that  adherence  to  truth,  and  all  that  practical  effect 
which  can  be  obtained  from  the  maintenance  of  the  most 
faithful  testimony.  On  this  principle  the  church  has 
uniformly  acted.  This  principle  pervades  every  social 
institution  and  arrangement  among  men."  Such  was  the 
testimony  of  all  the  brethren  of  the  subordinate  Synod,  to 
the  orthodoxy  of  each  other,  though  differing  in  some 
points  on  civil  relations. 

From  the  above  brief  inquiry,  it  will  be  seen,  that  the 
minority  in  Synod  did  not  overleap  their  rights  in  pub- 
lishing the  original  draft  of  the  Pastoral  Address  ;  and  that 
such  was  the  conviction  of  the  nominal  majority  themselves, 
at  the  close  of  Synod,  when  the  intention  on  the  part  of  the 
minority  was  publicly  announced,  and  evidently  acquiesced 
in,  on  the  part  of  the  majority,  as  already  stated. 


444         MEMOIR  OF  ALEXANDER  MCLEOD,  D.D. 


CHAPTER    XVIII. 
1832. 

Dr.  McLeod's  last  visit  to  Philadelphia,  and  Views  of  Ecclesiastical  Movements. 

In  the  montli  of  November,  1832,  a  ]?ro  re  natd  meeting 
of  the  Eastern  Sub-Synod  was  attempted  to  be  called, 
and  held  by  the  party  in  that  body,  who  were  opposed 
to  the  adoption  of  the  expunged  parts  of  the  Pastoral 
Address.  The  ministerial  members  were  ten  in  number,  and 
of  these  five,  or  one-half,  were  without  charge,  and  one  of 
them  ordained  a  few  days  before  the  meeting,  although 
he  had  received  no  call  to  any  congregation,  '^o  other 
cause  for  his  ordination  was  apparent,  than  to  qualify  him 
for  a  vote  in  convention.  The  ostensible  object  of  the  meet- 
ing was  the  infliction  of  censure  on  those  brethren  who 
had  published   the  original  draft  of  the  Pastoral  Address. 

In  a  legal  point  of  view,  the  Prorenatan  summons  car- 
ried its  condemnation  stamped  on  its  forehead.  It  is 
essential  to  a  legitimate  ^ro  re  natd,  that  the  matter  be 
of  such  magnitude  as  to  be  obviously  of  dangerous  ten- 
dency to  the  interests  of  religion,  if  postponed  to  a 
regular  stated  meeting,  l^ow,  it  is  verily  believed,  that 
scarcely  any  person  could  be  found  capable  of  apprehend- 
ing any  danger  from  postponing  judicial  cognizance  of  the 
matters  contained  in  the  Pastoral  Address,  for  about  the 


SEPAEATION.  445 

space  of  five  montlis,  wlien  tlie  regular  stated  meeting  of 
Synod  would  take  place. 

Again,  it  is  essential  to  a  legitimate  jyro  re  natd  meeting, 
tliat  tlie  business  be  distinctly  stated,  and  that  no  other 
than  what  is  specified  shall  be  transacted.  In  this  pro 
re  natd  summons,  the  business  was  indefinite.  Everything 
was  covered  by  the  league  expression,  "  and  such  other  busi- 
ness as  may  come  before  the  Court."  Yes,  "such  other 
business  as  may  come  before  the  Court."  This,  of  itself, 
nullified  the  call  and  character  of  the  contemplated  meet- 
ing. The  Synod  did  not  meet  A  minority  only  came 
together. 

Against  this  disorderly  proceeding,  one-half  of  the  mem- 
bers, with  one  consent,  simultaneously  sent  forward  to  the 
moderator  of  the  last  meeting  of  Synod,  their  respectful 
protests,  and  declined  attendance.  Among  these  was  Dr, 
McLeod.  In  the  midst  of  great  bodily  debility,  he  repaired 
to  the  place  where  the  assembly  was  to  be  convened. 
Before  the  moderator  proceeded  to  what  he  styled  a  con- 
stitution, the  Doctor  rose — he  uttered  a  voice  of  warning 
to  those  who  seemed  determined  to  persevere  in  this  disor- 
ganizing business — he  pronounced  the  project  to  be  based 
on  an  unpresbyterial  imiovation,  and  tending  directly  to 
division;  he  publicly  read  his  remonstrance  and  declinature, 
and  then  immediately  retired  from  the  house. 

Upon  the  men  of  pro  re  natd^  however,  these  remon- 
strances of  fathers  and  brothers,  present  and  absent,  had 
no  salutary  effect.  They  proceeded  to  accomplish  their 
previously  concerted  schemes.  The  result,  as  Dr.  McLeod 
predicted,  was  a  separation  from  the  Reformed  Presbyterian 
Church.  On  them  rests  the  responsibility  of  the  division, 
which  yet  exists. 


446  MEMOIK   OF   ALEXANDER   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

Shortly  after  this,  a  call  was  addressed  by  the  Chamber 
street  Church,  to  the  Rev.  John  N".  McLeod,  to  become 
the  assistant  and  successor  of  his  father.  It  was  accepted, 
and  the  Doctor  had  the  high  satisfaction  of  seeing  his 
son  co-pastor  with  himself,  and  in  the  enjoyment  of  the 
aifections   of  the  church. 

The  following  iiotice  of  this  installation  is  found  in  the 
Cheistlan  Intelligencek  of  ]^ew  York,  of  January,  19th, 
1833. 

"  For  the  Christian  IntelUgencer. 
"  INSTALLATION. 

"  On  Tuesday  morning,  the  14th  January,  1 833,  the 
Presbytery  of  Philadelphia  met  in  the  Reformed  Presby- 
terian church,  in  Chamber  street,  in  this  city,  under 
the  pastoral  charge  of  the  Rev.  Alexander  McLeod,  D.D., 
for  the  purpose  of  moderating  a  call  for  an  associate  and 
successor  to  their  present  venerable  pastor.  The  moderator, 
Rev.  Samuel  "\Y.  Crawford,  preached  an  able  sermon,  from 
Eph.  xxi.  11-12, — ■'  He  gave  some  apostles,  and  some 
prophets,  and  some  evangelists,  and  some  pastors  and 
teachers,  for  the  perfecting  of  the  saints,  for  the  work  of 
the  ministry,  for  the  edifying  of  the  body  of  Christ.' 

"After  sermon,  the  moderator  proceeded  to  take  the  votes 
of  the  congregation  for  an  associate  pastor,  and  successor 
to  the  Rev.  Dr.  McLeod,  which  resulted  in  a  nearly  unani- 
mous choice  of  the  Rev.  John  !N^.  McLeod,  as  the  associate 
and  successoo'  of  his  venerated  father.  The  call  was  then 
read,  declared  to  be  in  order,  and  presented  to  the  pastor 
elect,  who  declared  his  acceptance  of  the  same. 

"  After  a  short  recess,  the  Rev.  John  Gibson,  from  Balti- 


INSTALLATION.  447 

more,  preaclied  an  excellent  discourse  from  1  Thes.  v.  20. — 
'Despise  not  propliesyings.'  The  moderator  then  proceeded 
to  the  installation  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  McLeod,  in  the  usual 
forms  of  the  Reformed  Presbyterian  Church,  and  he  was 
duly  declared  to  be  the  associate  pastor,  and  successor,  of 
his  father,  the  Rev.  Alexander  McLeod,  D.D.  "We  con- 
gratulate this  congregation  upon  their  selection  of  such  a 
pious  and  talented  young  man  as  their  spiritual  guide. 
They  have  long  enjoyed  the  ablest  ministrations  in  the 
person  of  Dr.  McLeod,  whose  merited  fame  for  tlie  highest 
grade  of  intellectual,  theological,  and  literary  attainments, 
has,  for  many  3^ears,  been  spread  through  America  and 
Europe.  They  needed  talents  and  attainments  of  the  first 
class  to  fill  his  place.  He  is,  to  the  deep  lamentation  of 
his  devoted  people,  and  the  other  churches  of  the  city,  at 
present  laid  aside  from  his  ministerial  labors  by  age  and 
feebleness ;  and  we  rejoice  with  him  and  his  friends,  that  in 
the  decline  of  his  days,  he  has  such  a  promising  and  able 
coadjutor  to  strengthen  his  hands,  and  encourage  his  heart. 
His  son  and  congregation  still  need  his  counsels ;  and, 
therefore,  we  pray  that  the  day  of  his  departure  may  be 
remote.  But  when  he  ascends,  may  the  mantle  of  the 
father-prophet  descend  in  ample  folds,  and  with  many  and 
varied  ornaments,  on  his  beloved  son." 

The  author  of  these  eloquent  remarks  is  well  known  to 
the  writer.  He  was  a  learned  and  highly  talented  divine 
of  the  Presbyterian  church.  There  was  none  belonging  to 
it  a  better  judge  of  doctrine  and  ecclesiastical  order.  He 
has  gone  to  his  reward. 

Early  in  November,  1832,  Dr.  McLeod  came  with  Dr. 
Black,  who  was  just  returning  from  his  visit  to  our  sister 


448         MEMOIR  OF  ALEXANDER  MCLEOD,  D.D. 

Synods  in  Scotland  and  Ireland,  to  Pliiladelpliia.  It  was 
the  season  of  the  dispensation  of  our  sacramental  festivity. 
How  cheering  was  the  arrival  of  these  two  highly  esteemed 
and  distinguished  ambassadors  of  Jesus  Christ,  both  to  the 
ministers  and  the  people  there !  They  sat  down  on  the 
delectable  mountains,  in  company  with  more  than  four 
hundred  brethren,  to  commemorate  the  dying  love  of 
their  common  Lord.  With  these  veteran  champions  in 
the  camp  of  the  Redeemer,  many  of  those  present  had 
often  held  sweet  communion  in  the  house  of  God.  Dr. 
McLeod,  though  feeble  in  body,  was  so  far  strengthened 
as  to  be  able  to  administer  the  ordinance  of  baptism  to 
his  little  grandson,  Alexander  McLeod,  who  had  been  born 
in  Philadelphia,  in  the  close  of  the  preceding  summer. 
How  solemn  the  occasion !  Such  a  bright  and  shining 
light  growing  dim,  and  about  soon  to  be  for  ever  extin- 
guished on  earth !  Grief  filled  to  overflowing  every  heart, 
and  many  could  scarcely  support  the  anticipation,  alas !  too 
soon  to  be  realized,  "  That  they  should  see  his  face  no 
more." 

During  this  visit,  though  feeble  in  body,  his  mind  was  in 
full  and  discriminating  energy.  In  conversation,  he  often 
lamented  the  anticipated  convulsions  in  our  church.  He 
traced,  with  great  distinctness,  both  their  proximate  and 
remote  causes.  He  considered  the  divisive  movement  as 
originating  in  personal  ambition,  without  any  conscientious 
regard  to  principle ;  and  that  no  sacrifices  on  our  part, 
while  the  present  troublers  of  Israel  continued  to  be  actu- 
ated by  the  same  spirit  which  now  governed  them,  could 
secure  the  peace  of  the  church,  and  the  co-operation  of  those 
erring  brethren.  He  exhorted  to  hold  fast  by  the  princi- 
ples of  the  Testimony ;  and  with  regard  to  our  civil  relations, 


LIBERAL   VIEWS.  449 

to  attend  to  the  maxim  wliicli  tlie  plainest  and  most  milet- 
tered  Christian  could  easily  understand  and  apply,  "  Hold 
no  communion  in  immorality,  with  nations,  with  churches, 
or  with  individuals."  And  he  further  observed,  with  regard 
to  "  what  may  be  immorality  in  the  application  of  the  laws, 
institutions,  and  enactments  of  government,  in  most  cases, 
should  be  left  to  the  decision  of  the  ecclesiastical  judica- 
tories of  the  particular  district."  He  was  not  opposed  to 
naturalization.  He  was,  himself,  long  before  his  death,  a 
citizen  of  the  United  States ;  and,  on  his  visit  to  his  native 
land,  he  had  the  protection  which  the  American  govern- 
ment affords  and  extends  to  its  citizens.  He  had  just  shown 
that  he  made  this  matter  no  term  of  communion,  by  sitting 
down  at  the  Lord's  table  with  his  Philadelphia  brother,  who 
had  recently  exercised  the  right  of  suffrage  as  a  citizen  of 
the  United  States. 

Shortly  after  his  return  to  New  York,  he  appeared  in  the 
Prorenatan  assembly,  as  already  stated,  and  read  his  remon- 
strance, giving  his  solemn  warning  to  the  brethren  there,  as 
to  the  consequences  of  their  ill-advised  procedure,  and 
declaring  that  no  act  of  theirs  would  be  considered  bind- 
ing by  him,  on  himself  personally,  or  on  the  congregation  of 
which  he  was  the  pastor. 

Here  it  may  be  proper  to  remark,  that  although  Dr. 
Wylie's  practice  in  voting  was  a  novel  thing,  with  him,  in 
his  opinion,  it  involved  no  change  of  jprincii:)le.  He  had 
changed  his  view  of  the  American  government  and  Federal 
Constitution ;  but  his  principles  on  civil  government,  the 
headship  of  the  Mediator,  and  the  subjection  of  all  power 
and  dominion  to  his  rightful  control,  remained  unaltered. 
Yes,  and.he  trusts  in  God,  they  shall  remain  unaltered.  He 
firmly  believes  that  the  principles  of  the  American  Synod, 


450  MEMOIR   OF   ALEXANDER   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

of  wliich  lie  lias  the  honor  to  be  a  member,  are  on  these 
points  the  same  as  those  of  Knox,  Eutherford,  and  Kenwick, 
and  that  if  there  may  appear,  on  superficial  observation,  to 
be  any  difference,  it  is  not  in  themselves  that  difference 
exists,  but  in  their  greater  brightness,  being  still  further 
jDurified  from  the  stains  of  the  dark  ages ;  but  the  principle 
is  no  more  changed,  than  an  individual  is  changed  by 
jDutting  on  a  different  and  moi-e  suitable  costume. 

The  attention  has  already  been  called  to  the  progressive 
legislation  of  our  church  on  our  civil  relations,  and  the  con- 
sistency of  such  legislation  with  our  ecclesiastical  constitu- 
tion. This  legislation  should  always  cherish,  promote  and 
confirm  intellectual,  moral,  and  religious  improvement.  This 
imjirovement,  even  although  it  may  be  steadily  progressive, 
yet  is  generally  but  slow,  and  often  imperceptible.  The  accu- 
mulation of  the  successive  increments  of  improvement  will 
suggest  the  times  of  review  of  principles  and  re-exhibition  of 
Testimony.  This  principle  operates  in  all  societies,  great  or 
small,  in  the  progressive  advance  from  barbarism  to  refine- 
ment, from  despotism  to  freedom,  from  the  gloom  of  igno- 
rance to  the  light  of  knowledge.  The  constitutional  charter 
is  not  remodelled  to  meet  every  new  improvement  as  it  arises. 
Yet  hereby  the  system  is  gradually  influenced,  impregnated 
with  this  salutary  leaven,  and  the  amelioration  felt,  some- 
times, long  before  even  a  letter  of  the  original  charter  is 
altered  or  amended.  As  time  advances,  the  period  arrives 
when  these  progressive  unembodied  items  of  improvement, 
which  had  been  gradually  accumulating  and  shedding  their 
benign  light  and  influence  on  society,  will  be  incorporated 
into  constitutional  form,  and  make  a  kind  of  era  in  the 
history  of  the  society.  The  Magna  Charta  in  the  history 
of  Britain,  and  the  Westminster  Confession  of  Faith  in  the 


PKOGRESS.  451 

annals  of  ecclesiastical  legislation,  arc  examples  of  the  opera- 
tion of  this  principle,  both  in  civil  and  religions  reformation. 

This  principle  has  been  strikingly  exemplified  in  our  own 
society.  While  the  clmrch  here,  in  America,  took  special 
care  to  abandon  no  j)rinciple  of  the  Keformation,  she 
moved  with  rather  too  much  precipitancy,  in  the  early  steps 
of  her  legislation.  Her-  ideas  of  the  application  of  these  noble 
principles  were  crnde,  and  warped  with  British  modes  of 
thought,  when  she  was  placed  in  novel  circumstances.  The 
emigrants  from  Britain  and  Ireland  seemed  to  forget  that 
much  time  had  flown  past,  and  that  they  were  now  in  a 
different  land,  different  age,  diflerent  state  of  society,  and 
under  a  different  civil  constitution,  and  in  very  different 
circumstances,  from  those  of  their  ancestors,  more  than  a 
century  and  a  half  ago.  They  predicated  their  views  of 
civil  and  religious  matters  on  the  ecclesiastical  and  parlia- 
mentary enactments  made  in  Britain,  betw^een  1638,  and 
1G49,  without  taking  sufficiently  into  view  the  entire  change 
of  circumstances. 

]^ow,  it  is  well  known,  that  after  a  stand  has  been  taken, 
and  an  individual  or  community  has  been  committed, 
the  pride  of  human  nature,  even  after  full  conviction  of 
error,  feels  very  reluctant  to  retract.  The  American  Synod 
wanted,  by  a  cautious  and  prudent  legislation,  without 
noise  or  bustle,  to  redress  whatever  grievances  might  have 
arisen  from  the  incautious  action  of  the  Presbytery  of 
1806.  Both  ministers  and  people  were  becoming  more 
enlightened  on  this  subject,  and  every  day  saw  more  clearly 
that  there  was  a  very  material  difference  between  the 
present  apostate  character  of  the  British  government,  and 
that  of  the  United    States  of  America. 

Predicated  upon  this  expansion  of  liberality,  the  oath  of 


452         MEMOm  OF  ALEXANDER  MCLEOD,  D.D. 

allegiance,  of  August  12,  1812,  was  passed  in  Synod, 
unanimously,  'Now,  ever  since  that  time,  1812,  those 
brethren  who  appreciated  that  act  of  Synod,  and  felt  its 
obligation,  considered  everything,  in  whatever  document  or 
instrument  it  might  exist,  which  either  was,  or  appeared 
to  be,  in  any  sense,  contrary  to  the  spirit  and  intention 
of  that  decree,  as  thereby  suspended  or  rejDcaled ;  and 
consequently,  to  them,  null  and  void.  This  principle  oper- 
ates in  all  legislative  enactments.  Everything  contrary 
to  the  present  act,  in  any  previous  statute,  is  repealed.  This 
is,  indeed,  essential  to  the  continued  consistency  of  the  civil 
code. 

It  is  admitted,  without  hesitation,  that  there  may  be, 
and  there  are,  situations  in  which  legislators  are  tied 
down  by  constitutional  provisions,  over  which  they  have 
no  control ;  but  which  they  are  bound  implicitly  to  obey, 
so  long  as  these  provisions  shall  continue  in  existence. 
!None  have  any  right  to  alter  or  modify  a  constitution, 
but  its  makers,  either  in  their  own  persons,  or  continued 
in  their  legitimate  successors.  The  people  of  a  state 
or  nation,  in  convention,  meet  to  frame  a  constitution  as  a 
guide  to  regulate  their  future  legislation,  just  so  long  as  the 
people  shall  see  cause  to  continue  this  standard.  But  the 
same  people  have  a  right  to  alter,  modify,  or  abolish 
this  constitution,  at  pleasure.  It  is  obvious,  however 
that  such  alterations  should  be  made  with  great  caution 
and  deliberation.  Precipitant  innovation,  and  bigoted 
adherence  to  existing  customs,  are  equally  injudicious.  The 
former  endangers  the  safety  of  society,  by  unwisely  cutting 
loose  its  moorings  ;  the  latter  chains  it  down  like  tlie  shell- 
fish to  the  rock,  and  excludes  it  from  every  species  of 
improvement.     T/iat  makes  it  the  sport  of  wind  and  wave  ; 


PE0GRES3IVE   LEGISLATION.  '  453 

this  deprives  it  of  all  tlie  advantages  of  intellectual  locomo- 
tion.    "Wisdom  is  here  peculiarly  necessary  to  direct. 

It  is  admitted  that  the  Testimony  published  in  1806  was 
our  constitutional  code ;  yet  this  must  be  taken  in  a  modified 
sense.  Every  subsequent  judicial  act,  bearing  upon  the 
application  of  the  jDrinciples  therein  contained,  while  said 
act  remained  unrepealed,  was  a  legitimate  part  of  our  con- 
stitutional law,  a  part  of  our  Testimony.  "What  magic  was 
there,  could  there  be,  in  an  act  unanimously  passed  in  1806, 
by  five  ministers,  and  as  many  ruling  elders,  more  than  in 
an  act  passed  with  the  same  unamimity,  by  twice  that  num- 
ber, just  six  years  afterwards,  in  1813  !  Did  the  experience 
accumulated  on  the  subject  of  legislation,  or  the  twofold 
increase  of  the  members  voting,  disqualify  them  from 
judging,  or  vitiate  their  judicial  decision  ?  There  was  no 
absurd  clause  in  their  Testimony,  that  the  provisions  therein 
contained  could  not  be  altered,  unless  by  two-thirds^  or  three- 
fourths  of  the  members  ?  Ko :  these  brethren  never 
dreamed  that  at  any  subsequent  period,  onQ-twelfth,  one- 
fourth,  or  one-third  in  a  deliberative  body,  all  legally  quali- 
fied, and  possessed  of  equal  rights,  would  become  more 
judicious,  more  faithful,  or  be  better  qualified  for  judging, 
than  three,  four,  or  a  dozen  times  their  number.  They 
believed  with  Solomon,  that,  "  two  are  better  than  one." 
This  amendment,  therefore,  of  our  ecclesiastical  constitu- 
tion of  1812,  which  by  the  way  of  consistent  legislation 
repealed  every  former  provision  in  any  manner  repaguant 
to  it,  and  which  said  amendment  remains  itself  yet  unre- 
pealed, is  as  much  a  part  of  our  Testimony  as  any  part 
embraced  in  the  publication  of  1806  was  at  that  period,  as 
it  necessarily  repealed  all  that  was  contrary  to  itself.  AVhile 
our  separating  brethren  therefore  adhere  to  the  letter  of  the 


454  MEMOm    OF  ALEXA2TDEK   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

Testimony  published  in  1806,  they  actually  hold  only  2ijpaTt 
of  the  Testimony  of  the  church  called  the  Reformed 
Presbyterian,  in  the  United  States. 

In  the  reasoning  in  the  latter  part  of  the  preceding 
chapter,  it  was  not  intended  to  inquire  whether  the  act  of 
1812  was  right  or  wrong.  This  will  be  the  subject  of  future 
inquiry.  Here  the  only  object  is  to  show  that  the  recogni- 
tion of  the  United  States  government  is  not  inconsistent 
with  our  religious  standards ;  or  relevant  to  censure.  In 
our  section  of  the  church  of  Christ. 

The  grand  ostensible  charge  made  against  us  b}'-  our 
seceding  brethren,  was  "  Political  Heresy P  On  this  sub- 
ject we  therefore,  state  our  views. 

First,  On  the  nature  of  government  in  general.  And 
it  may  be  remarked,  that  it  is  believed  that  the  view 
about  to  be  presented  is  in  strict  accordance  with  the 
principles  held  and  avowed  by  our  church,  ever  since 
she  had  a  distinctive  existence  among  Christian  commu- 
nities. 

1.  All  civil  dominion  originates  in  God,  the  Creator. 
There  is  no  power  but  of  God.  It  is  not  founded  in 
grace. 

2.  As  an  ordinance  of  God,  it  is  interwoven  with  the 
very  constitution  of  man.  It  grows  out  of  his  social  exist- 
ence, which  concentrates  the  scattered  elements  existing  in 
individuals. 

3.  It  is  found  wherever  society  exists,  and  is  inde- 
structible, unless  by  the  annihilation  of  society. 

4.  It  may,  by  the  depravity  of  man,  be  so  constituted,  that 
neither  its  constitutional  provisions  nor  executive  admi- 
nistration, can  be  conscientiously  recognized  by  virtuous 
and   intelligent    men ;   yet,  still  the   ordinance    is    there. 


SCEIPTUKA.L   GOVERNMENT.  455 

Man  cannot  destroy  it.  No  tyrant  can  annihilate  the  actual 
existence  of  God's  ordinance.  It  is  true,  he  may  superinduce 
upon  it  such  an  incrustation  of  immoral  integuments,  as 
may  be  sufficient  to  prevent  the  enlightened  and  the  con- 
scientious from  acknowledging  it  as  thus  trammelled  with 
iniquitous  conditions ;  yet,  still  the  general  benefit  of  God's 
ordinance  will  burst  forth,  and  its  influence  be  felt  in  the 
transactions  of  social  intercourse.  The  smallest  society  that 
could  exist,  had  this  ordinance  stamped  upon  the  very 
constitution  of  its  members,  as  the  stronger  and  weaker 
vessel.  "  Thy  desire  shall  be  to  thy  husband,  and  he  shall 
rule  over  thee."  Hence,  female  sovereignty  is  incongruous 
with  nature,  and  in  fact,  a  political  anomaly. 

5.  Civil  government  can  neither  be  organized  nor  admin- 
istered legitimately,  as  the  ordinance  of  God,  except  upon 
the  principle  of  the  elective  franchise.  It  must  be  the 
ordinance  of  man,  or  a  human  creation,  in  order  to  its 
legitimate  claim  to  recognition  as  the  ordinance  of  God. 
Society  can  never  be  lawfully  governed,  without  its  own 
consent.  In  order  to  the  healthful  state  of  the  body  politic, 
this  consent  should  be  regularly  and  publicly  ex-pressed, 
and  not  rest  xv^ow  mere  implication. 

6.  The  attributes  of  any  government  possessing  a  moral 
claim  to  conscientious  recognition,  must  be  scriijtural.  By 
this  term  "  scriptural,"  is  meant,  such  as  the  Bible  authorizes 
its  believers  to  recognize.  We  do  indeed  most  cordially 
admit  the  doctrine  that  scrijpturcd  qualifications  are  essen- 
tially necessary  to  a  legitimate  magistracy.  But  we  do  also 
contend  that  the  Scriptures  authorize  obedience  for  conscience 
sake,  to  governments  predicated  on  the  mere  light  of  nature 
nnless  the  national  community  has,  by  its  own  act  and 
deed,   superadded    thereunto,    or    incorporated  therewith, 


456  MEMOIR   OF   ALEXANDER   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

evangelical  provisions,  founded  on  revelation.  On  this 
subject,  witli  great  pleasure,  tlie  reader  is  recommended  to 
Dr.  McMaster's  excellent  letters. — Let.  1,  sec.  5,  6,  Y. 

Tliese  scriptural  qualifications  embrace  a  wide  range 
between  tlie  maximmn  and  the  Qninimum ;  or  between 
wbat  may  be  considered  indispensably  necessary  to  con- 
scientious recognition,  and  wbat  would  be  entirely  satisfac- 
tory. That  the  Bible  requires  and  enjoins  subjection  for 
conscience  sake  to  a  government  organized  by  the  mere 
light  of  nature,  is,  of  course,  the  doctrine  of  our  standards. 

"  Infidelity  or  difi'erence  of  religion,  does  not  make  void 
the  magistrate's  just  and  lawful  authority."  This  light, 
though  but  dim  and  feeble,  is  not  opposed  to  the  light  of 
revelation.  It  springs  from  the  same  source,  and  cannot  be 
contradictory.  It  differs  in  quantity,  as  the  morning  dawn 
from  the  meridian  splendor  of  the  lamp  of  day.  The 
system  of  nature  and  the  system  of  grace,  must  necessarily 
harmonize,  as  they  both  originate  from  the  same  fountain. 
But  while  the  Bible  recognizes  the  legitimacy  of  govern- 
ments constituted  in  the  mere  light  of  nature,  it  requires 
every  community  to  adopt  the  instructions  of  revelation,  so 
soon  as  enjoyed,  and  incorporate  the  maxims  of  supernatural 
wisdom  with  civil  legislation.  And  it  will  follow,  as  a 
matter  of  course,  that  just  in  proportion  as  the  individual 
members  of  the  body  politic  are  imbued  with  the  princi- 
ples of  Christianity,  the  executive,  the  courts  of  judicature, 
the  halls  of  legislation,  all  institutions,  and  the  whole 
machinery  of  government  will  be  tinctured  and  imbued 
Avith  its  benign  influence.  It  cannot  be  otherwise.  The 
Christian  must  act  as  a  Christian,  in  every  relation.  He 
carries  his  Christianity  with  him,  and  acts  under  its  influ- 
ence, whithersoever  he  goes.     Thus  a  way  is  prepared  for  a 


SUBMISSION   TO   CHRIST.  457 

formal  public  submission  of  nations,  as  well  as  individuals, 
to  tbe  sceptre  of  Immanuel.    First,  make  the  tree  good,  and 
then  the  fruit  shall  be  good  also.     The  reformation  of  the 
State  must  be  the  result  of  individual  submission  to  the 
empire  of  grace.    Then  Christian  legislation  will  be  respected, 
having  the  sanction  of  public  opinion,  without  which  public 
enactments  can  be  of  little  use.     "  Leges  sine  moribus  va7i(BJ'^ 
If  these  remarks  be  true,  it  will  follow,  that  in  every  free 
State,  that  is,  where  universal  suffrage  prevails,  and  where 
all  officers  are  under  the  control  of  the  people,  and  appointed 
by  their  choice,  the  governmental  administration,  and  all  its 
complex  machinery,  will  be  impregnated  by  the  influence  of 
Christianity,  just  in  proj)ortion  to  the  extent  of  its  influence 
upon   the   community.     It  is  admitted  that  into  despotic 
governments,  hereditary  monarchies,  and  lordly  aristocra- 
cies,  independent   of    the   people,    the    introduction    and 
progress  of  Christianity  are  generally  slow,  unless  through 
an  unholy  alliance,  as  an  engine  of  state.     The  power  of 
religion,  which  is  generally  felt  first  among  the  lower  orders, 
cannot,  without  considerable  difficulty,  find  access  to  the 
gorgeous  palace,  and  the  seat  of  royalty.     These  elevated 
spots,  like  the  mountain  ridge,  remain  barren  and  unpro- 
ductive, while  verdure  and  fertility  cover  the  valleys  below. 
Their  distance  from  the  people,  their  perpetuity  in  office, 
their  dignity  of  rank,  their  hereditary  affluence,  means  of 
dissipation,  and  haughty  contempt  of  plebeian  blood,  render 
them  almost   impregnable  to   national  reformation.     Their 
conspiracy  against  the  rights  of  the  people,  whom  they  have 
contrived  so  long  to  enslave  ;  their  schemes  to  retain  the 
plunder  of  centuries  by  the  vilest  and  most  profligate  means, 
are   calculated  to  retard,   rather  than    promote,   national 
subjection  to  the  Prince  of  the  kings  of  the  earth. 

30 


458         MEMOm  OF  ALEXANDER  MCLEOD,  D.D. 

It  is  not  here  contended  that  a  nation  should  remain 
satisfied  Avith  the  fact,  that  the  infl.iience  of  the  religion 
of  the  Redeemer  is  silently  imbuing  the  hearts  of  its 
members,  and  pervading  its  administration  and  institu- 
tions, so  that  they  become  virtually  subjected  to  the 
King  of  kings.  Though  this  is,  indeed,  the  grand  funda- 
mental point,  yet  still  the  nation,  as  a  nation,  in  its  national 
capacity  and  character,  is  bound  to  acknowledge  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ  as  the  Governor  of  Illations,  as  well  as  the  King 
of  Saints.  Yet,  although  they  may  not  have  done  so,  this 
sinful  omission  does  not  nullify  the  moral  character  of  the 
Constitution. 

Second.  Some  of  the  claims  of  the  United  States  govern- 
ment to  recognition,  as  the  moral  ordinance  of  God,  shall 
now  be  presented. 

1.  Because  it  has  been  found,  above  all  other  govern- 
ments existing  on  earth,  the  best  calculated  to  answer  the 
end  of  this  ordinance — the  immediate  good,  and  temporal 
interest  and  safety  of  the  commonwealth.  This,  alone, 
would  entitle  it  to  recognition  as  God's  moral  ordinance, 
"  the  minister  of  God  for  good  to  men."  This  is  the  imme- 
diate end  of  civil  government.  More  is  not  absolutely  neces- 
sary, however  desirable  the  possession,  and  however  sinful 
the  want  of  it  may  be.  But  this  government  has,  besides, 
some  of  the  most  important  features  of  Christianity  im- 
pressed upon  it;  so  that,  accessory  to  the  immediate 
good  and  temporal  interest  of  the  community,  the  inte- 
rests of  the  Church  of  God  are  greatly  promoted ; — yes, 
this  is  an  accessory  good,  resulting  from  the  ingraftment 
upon  it  of  the  religion  of  the  Kedeemer.  It,  moreover, 
is,  and  may  be  made  just  as  good,  just  as  Christian,  just 
as  Scrij>tioral,  as  the  sovereign  people  choose  to  make  it. 


CLAIM   TO   EECOGNITION.  459 

If,  therefore,  it  be  not  so  good  as  it  ought  to  be,  or  as 
we  could  wish  it  to  be,  let  us  try  to  make  it  better. 

2.  It  has  a  claim  to  recognition  by  us,  as  members  of  the 
Reformed  Presbyterian  Church.  This  special  claim  rests 
upon  our  own  act  and  deed.  In  1812,  our  supreme  judi- 
catory, representing  the  whole  of  our  community,  unani- 
mously declared  that  they  found  no  positive  immorality 
in  the  United  States  Constitution.  That  they  blamed  it 
for  omissions  alone,  and  on  this  ground  framed  an  oath 
of  allegiance  even  stronger  than  that  prescribed  by  law. 
Here  it  might  be  asked,  why  frame  a  stronger  one,  and 
not  adopt  the  form  already  made  and  prescribed  by 
law?  To  this  question,  the  plain  matter  of  fact  is  the 
best  answer.  1st,  Few  of  our  members  had  ever  seen 
the  oath  of  naturalization  prescribed  by  law,  and  conse- 
quently knew  not  whether  it  embraced  anything  immoral 
or  not  2d,  They  were  sensible  that  some  of  the  people 
under  their  charge  retained  strong  prejudices  against  the 
moral  character  of  the  United  States  Constitution,  which 
they  did  not  think  prudent  to  alarm,  but  rather  leave  to 
time  and  increasing  light  to  remove.  They  were  persuaded 
that  none  would  hesitate  to  take  the  oath  in  the  terms  which 
they  then  prescribed,  viz. :  "  I,  A.  B.,  solemnly  swear,  in  the 
name  of  the  Most  High  God,  the  searcher  of  hearts,  that  I 
abjure  all  foreign  allegiance  whatsoever,  and  hold  that  these 
States,  and  the  United  States,  are,  and  ought  to  be,  sover- 
eign and  independent  of  all  other  nations  and  governments, 
and  that  I  will  promote  the  best  interests  of  the  empire, 
maintain  its  independence,  preserve  its  peace,  and  support 
the  integrity  of  the  Union,  to  the  best  of  my  power." 

Such  is  the  formula  prescribed  by  the  Supreme  Judica- 
tory of  our  church,  in  1812,  and  to  wiiich   the  brethren 


460  MEMOIE   OF   AI^EXAJSTDER  MCLEOD,    D.D. 

afterwards  seceding  from  ns,  then  gave  tlieir  unquali- 
fied and  unanimous  assent,  and  concerning  wliicli  they 
ordain, 

"  That  emigrants  from  foreign  nations,  lest  they  should  be 
esteemed  alien  enemies,  be  instructed  to  give  to  the  proper 
organs  of  the  government  the"  ahove-mentionecl  "  assurance 
of  their  allegiance  to  this  empire,  each  for  himself,  when 
required." 

Kow,  it  is  believed,  that  it  requires  more  sagacity  than 
most  people  are  possessed  of,  to  understand  how  such  an 
oath^ — to  support  the  integrity  of  the  Union — can  be  justified, 
if  swearing  allegiance  to  the  same  government  be  such  an 
immorality — such  a  jpolitical  heresy^  as  to  merit  the  punish- 
ment attempted  to  be  inflicted  by  the  Prorenatans — viz., 
suspension  from  office  and  ecclesiastical  privileges !      This 
act  of  our  Supreme  Judicatory  stands  on  our  records  yet 
unrepealed ;  yes,  without  any  suggestion  or  motion  ever  hav- 
ing been  made  that  it  should  be  re]3ealed — and  let  it  not  be 
forgotten  that  this  act  received  the  unqualified  and  unanim- 
ous consent  and  approbation  of  the  Prorenatans  themselves ! 
It  is  here,  however,  to  be  understood  that  our  church  never 
required  any  of  her  members  to  take  this  oath,  or  any  other 
to  the  United  States  ;  but  merely  prescribed  a  form  of  oath, 
the  taking  or  the  oiot  taking  of  which,  should  ever  remain 
optional,  to  be  determined  by  the  conscience  of  the  indivi- 
dual.    Among  all  our  members,  this  was,  for  ever,  to  be  a 
matter  of  mutual  forbearance.    The  recognition  or  the  rejec- 
tion of  the  Federal  Constitution  was  no  term  of  communion, 
in  our  section  of  the  chu.rch.     It  is  true,  the  fifth  article  of 
our  terms  of  communion  testifies  against  "  all  immorality  in 


FEDERAL   CONSTITUTION.  461 


the  constitutions  of  States ;"  but  our  churcli  lias  long  since 
declared  that  "  there  is  no  positive  immorality  in  the  Con- 
stitution of  the  United  States."  This  is  now  affirmed  by- 
some  ;  it  is  denied  by  others ;  ministers  and  people  are 
divided  on  the  subject.  The  most  intelligent  and  the  most 
conscientious  differ  in  their  views.  Why  then  impose  such 
a  subject  as  a  term  of  communion?  It  is  notorious,  that 
nine  out  of  ten  of  those  who  are  the  most  clamorous  against 
the  Federal  Constitution,  have  never  read  it.  Th&x  faith,  or 
rather,  their  want  of  faith — ^for  how  can  they  believe  or  dis- 
believe what  they  know  nothing  about! — is  entirely  imi^licit. 
They  embrace  articles  of  faith,  which  they  do  not  under- 
stand ;  and  condemn  what  they  know  nothing  about.  They 
decide  with  ease  and  confidence,  where  the  most  learned 
j  m'ists  in  our  country  hesitate  and  pause,  Happy  igno- 
rance !  Thou  canst  solve  every  difficulty — or  rather,  thou 
discoverest  none.  If  thou  canst  not  loose  the  Gordian  Knot, 
thou  canst,  at  least,  cut  it.  "What  admirable  scantlings  for 
Rome ! 

3.  The  United  States  government  has  never  violated  a 
grand  national  charter,  as  did  that  of  Great  Britain.  It 
has  not  degenerated  from  covenanted  attainments,  as  that 
government  did.  It  has  been  advancing  onward  in  its 
course  of  moral  and  political  improvement,  ever  since  its 
first  organization.  It  is  acknowleged  it  has  defects;  and 
what  work  of  man  is  without  them  ?  But  none  can  justly 
charge  it  either  with  positive  immorality,  or  practical 
deterioration. 

4.  It  possesses  more,  ay,  much  more  than  the  minimum 
entitling  it  to  scriptural  recognition.  It  is  not  an  infidel 
government,  "though  infidelity^  or  difterence  of  religion 
does  not  make  void  the  maojistrates'  just  and  lawful  autho- 


462  jrEMom  or  alexaitoer  mcleod,  d.d. 

rity  " — but  so  far  from  being  infidel,  it  has  many  features 
of  Christianity  incorporated  with  it,  and  enstamped  upon  it. 

(1.)  It  disclaims  all  control  or  lordship  over  the  consci- 
ence— all  interference  between  man  and  his  Maker,  in  the 
worship  of  the  deity.  Persecution  for  religious  opinions 
can  never  disgrace  these  lands,  while  the  present  Consti- 
tution shall  continue  in  existence,  and  in  force.  Here  is 
one  of  the  lovely  features  of  Christianity,  whose  genius  is 
utterly  abhorrent  to  persecution.  It  repudiates  all  carnal 
weapons  in  the  Christian  warfare,  and  expressly  declares, 
"To  his  own  master  he  standeth,  and  to  his  own  master 
he  falleth." 

(2.)  In  all  the  charters  of  the  colonies — afterwards  formed 
into  States — the  founders  had  the  Christian  religion  before 
their  eyes.  The  propagation  and  extension  of  this,  was 
one  of  the  principal  objects  of  their  undertaking.  In  the 
charter  of  Yirginia,  1606,  for  example,  the  enterprise  of 
planting  the  country  is  recommended  as  "  a  noble  work, 
which  may,  by  the  providence  of  almighty  God,  hereafter 
tend  to  the  glory  of  his  Divine  Majesty,  in  propagating  the 
Christian  religion  to  such  peoj)le  as  yet  live  in  darkness, 
and  miserable  ignorance  of  the  knowledge  and  worship  of 
God."  This  may  stand  as  a  specimen  of  the  fundamental 
principles,  on  which,  in  connection  with  subsequent  enact- 
ments predicated  upon  them,  the  most  profound  jurists, 
on  oath,  on  the  judicial  bench,  decided  that  Christianity 
was  the  common  law  of  the  land,  and  shaped  their  adjudi- 
cations accordingly. 

(3.)  That  the  colonists  felt  deeply  the  obligations  of  reli- 
gion, is  evinced  by  their  efforts  to  obtain  a  gospel  ministry, 
learned  and  pious.  For  this  purpose,  so  soon  as  settle- 
ments were  made,  churches  were  founded,  and  new  churches. 


CnEISTIANITY   THE   COMMON   LAW.  463 

always  kept  pace  with  the  extension  of  the  settlement. 
"  Yiewing,"  says  Mr.  J.  Adams,  in  his  convention  sermon, 
from  which  these  statements  have  been  mostly  selected, 
"  education  as  indispensable  to  freedom,  as  well  as  the  hand- 
maid of  religion,  every  neighborhood  had  its  school.  After 
a  brief  interval,  colleges  were  instituted,  and  these  colleges 
were  originally  designed  for  the  education  of  Christian  min- 
isters." And  in  a  footnote,  "  The  heraldic  inscription, 
'  Christo  et  Ecclesise,'  on  the  seal  of  the  University,  is  at 
once  emphatic  evidence,  and  a  perpetual  memorial  of  the 
great  purpose  for  which  it  was  established."  Mr.  Adams 
continues,  "The  colonies  thus,  from  which  these  United 
States  have  sprung,  were  originally  planted  and  nourished 
by  our  pious  forefathers,  in  the  exercise  of  a  strong  and  vigor- 
ous Christian  faith.  They  were  designed  to  be  Christian 
communities.  Christianity  was  wrought  into  the  minutest 
ramifications  of  their  social,  civil,  and  religious  institutions." 
(4.)  All  these  auspicious  symptoms  in  the  colonial  regimen 
might  be  allowed  to  pass  for  nothing,  had  they  been  ejected 
from  these  same  communities,  when  transformed  into  "  free 
and  independent  States,"  but,  continues  our  author,  "  in 
perusing  the  twenty-four  constitutions  of  the  United  States, 
with  this  object  in  view,  we  find  all  of  them  'recognising 
Christianity  as  the  well-known  and  well-established  religion 
of  the  communities,  whose  legal,  civil,  and  religious  founda- 
tions these  constitutions  are.  The  terms  of  this  recog- 
nition are  more  or  less  distinct  in  the  constitutions  of  the 
different  States ;  but  they  exist  in  all  of  them.  The  reason 
why  any  degree  of  indistinctness  exists  in  any  of  them 
unquestionably  is,  that  at  their  formation,  it  never  came 
into  the  minds  of  the  framers  to  suppose  that  the  existence 
of  Christianity,  as  the  religion  of  these  communities,  could 


464  IMEMOm   OF   ALEXANDER   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

ever  admit  of  a  question.  ISTearlj  all  tliese  constitutions," 
says  Mr.  Adams,  "  enjoin  tlie  observance  of  tlie  Sabbatli ; 
and  a  suitable  observance  of  this  day,  includes  or  guaran- 
tees a  performance  of  all  the  peculiar  duties  of  the 
Christian  faith." 

(5.)  In  the  chronological  epoch,  there  is  a  recognition  of 
Christianity,  in  the  homage  of  its  author.     Li  article  seventh 
of  the  Constitution  of  the  United  States,  that  instrument  is 
said  to  have  been  penned  "by  the  unanimous  consent  of 
the  States  present,  the  seventeenth  day  of  September,  in  the 
year  of  our  Lord,  1787,  and  in  the  Independence  of  the 
United   States   of    America  the   twelfth."     In   the   clause 
marked  in  Italic   letters,  the  word  Lord  means   the  Loed 
Jesus  Chkist,  and  the  word  our,  preceding  it,  refers  back 
to  the  commencing  words  of  the  Constitution,  viz.  :     "  We 
the  people  of  the  United  States."     The  phrase,  then.  Gnu 
Lord,  making  a  part  of  the  dating  of  the  Constitution,  when 
compared  with  the  commencing  clause,  contains  a  distinct 
recognition  of  the  authority  of  Christ,  and,  of  course,  of  his 
religion,  by  the  people  of  the  United  States.     This  conclu- 
sion is   sound,   whatever  theory   we   may   embrace,   with 
regard  to  the  Constitution,  whether  we  consider  it  as  having 
been  ratified  by  the  people  in  the  United  States,  in  the 
aggregate,  or  by  States ;  and  whether  we   look  upon  the 
union  in  the  nature  of  a  government,  a  compact,  or  a  league. 
The  date  of  the  Constitution  is  twofold — it  is  first  dated  by 
the  birth   of   our  Lord   Jesus   Christ ;    and  then   by   the 
Independence   of   the   United    States   of   America.      Any 
argument  which   could   be    supposed  to    prove    that   the 
authority  of  Christianity  is  not  recognized  by  the  people  of 
the  United  States,  in  the  first  mode,  would  equally  prove 
that  the  Independence  of  the  United  States  is  not  recog- 


CHRISTIAN  FEATURES.  465 

nized  in  the  second  mode.  The  fact  is,  that  the  advent  of 
Christ,  and  the  Independence  of  the  country,  are  the  two 
events,  in  which,  above  all  others,  we  are  most  interested  ; 
the  former  is  common  with  all  mankind,  and  the  latter,  the 
birth  of  our  nation.  This  twofold  mode,  therefore,  of  dating 
so  solemn  an  instrument,  was  singularly  appropriate,  and 
becoming. 

(6.)  Another  Christian  feature,  sufficiently  obvious  for 
universal  recognition,  is  found  in  section  Tth,  Art.  2d,  of 
the  Constitution.  In  this  provision  is  made,  that — "  If  any 
bill  shall  not  be  returned  by  the  President  within  ten  days 
(Sundays  excepted),  after  it  shall  have  been  presented  to 
him,  the  same  shall  be  a  law,  in  like  manner  as  if  he  had 
signed  it,  unless  the  Congress,  by  their  adjournment,  prevent 
its  return ;  in  which  case,  it  shall  not  be  a  law." 

It  would  appear,  beyond  all  doubt,  that  the  adoption  of 
this  provision  was  predicated  upon  the  presumption  that  the 
President  of  the  United  States  would  not  desecrate  the 
Sabbath,  by  performing,  on  that  day,  any  public  business. 
He  is  allowed  ten  husiness  days,  to  prepare  and  digest  his 
objections,  if  objections  he  have.  Would  any  people  on 
earth  not  accustomed  to  revere  and  sanctify  the  Sabbath, 
have  introduced  and  sanctioned  such  a  provision !  The 
very  assumption  that  the  President  would  respect  the 
Sabbath — that  he  would  not  violate  the  common  law  of  the 
land — that  this  was  so  obvious  a  duty  that  one  in  his 
station  needed  no  constitutional  requirement,  to  observe  that 
day :  yes,  the  very  assuming,  without  requiring  it,  proves 
more  strongly  the  Christianity  of  the  country,  than  the  most 
formally  imperative  provision  could  have  done.  By  the 
most  legitimate  inference,  the  obligation  extends  to,  and  is 
equally  imperative  on  all  subordinate  agents  employed 
by  the   President,  in   the   service   of   the    United  States, 


466  MEMOIR   OF   ALEXANDER   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

to   the    minutest    ramifications   of   tlie    execntive   depart- 
ment. 

The  practical  application  of  constitutional  provisions,  from 
their  first  formation,  is  the  most  decisive  test  of  their  mean- 
ing and  institution.  The  public  oflices  are  closed — the 
legislature  adjourns  its  sittings — Christian  ministers  are 
employed  to  ofiiciate  in  the  halls  of  legislation — and 
chaplains  of  the  army  and  navy  are  appointed  and  jpaid 
from  the  treasury — aj^propriations  of  money  for  years  have 
been  made  and  put  into  the  hands  of  missionary  societies 
for  the  civilizing  and  Christianization  of  the  aboriginal 
inhabitants ;  and,  in  fine,  thousands  are  annually  expended 
by  the  Federal  Government  in  promoting  the  interests 
of  Christianity,  and  in  paying  respect  to  its  institutions. 
This  has  never  been  denied  to  be  constitutional.  Nay  the 
very  fact  that  all  candidates  for  office  are  inducted  by  an 
oath  on  the  Gospels  ;  however  censurable  this  idolatrous  mode 
of  swearing  is — imj^lies  unquestionably,  a  recognition  of 
the  inspiration  of  the  Scriptures. 

Should  any  person  still  deny  that  all  these  above-men- 
tioned specific  features  of  Christianity  amount  to  a  recog- 
nition of  the  Christian  system,  let  the  matter  be  tried 
on  Mohammedanism.  Take  the  feast  of  Ramadan,  for 
example.  Suppose  our  government  should,  in  a  similar 
manner,  exempt  it  from  desecration  by  secular  services, 
and  all  official  business  in  the  courts  of  justice,  halls  of 
legislature,  &c.,  &c.,  would  not  the  Constitution  be  pro- 
nounced Mohammedan?  How  much  more,  should  the 
United  States  employ  Dervises,  as  they  now  do  Christian 
chaplains,  to  officiate  in  the  army  and  navy?  and  allow 
their  treasure  to  be  spent,  if  not  for  the  express  purpose, 
yet  in  such  a  manner  as  to  have  an  obvious  tendency  to 
increase  the  number  of  Moslem  converts ! 


EESEKVED   EIGHTS.  46Y 

In  tills  inquiry,  it  onglit  not  to  be  overlooked  that  the 
United  States  government  is  a  thing  completely  sui  generis 
— something  imiqne.  The  State  governments,  taken  toge- 
ther, from  the  very  nature  of  their  relative  connection,  must 
be  each,  severally,  imperfect.  It  was  never  designed  by  the 
framers  of  them,  that  they  should  be  sejmrately  perfect.  The 
approximation  to  this  attribute  was  all  that  was  aimed  at 
in  the  construction  of  both,  in  all  their  reciprocal  actions, 
grants,  reservations,  mutual  restrictions,  and  limitations  of 
sovereignty.  The  defects  of  the  one  are  supplied  by  the  pro- 
visions of  the  other.  Mr.  Taylor,  of  Carolina,  thus  observes : 
"Neither  the  Federal  nor  the  State  are  perfect  govern- 
ments, both  being  only  invested  as  distinct  and  checking 
departments,  with  limited  portions  or  dividends  of  political 
power."  Although,  therefore,  the  United  States  govern- 
ment, as  such,  has  but  feio,  and  these  few  too  obscure^ 
religious  features,  yet,  when  we  reflect,  that  it  participates 
as  much  of  the  federal  as  it  does  of  the  national  charac- 
ter, and  that  the  particular  concern  about  religion  remains 
among  the  reserved  rights  of  the  States  respectively,  and 
that  many  of  them  have  paid  very  particular  attention  to 
it,  it  will  be  found  that  even  this  defect,  though  not 
excused^  is  considerably  ixdliatcd.  But  the  statute  and 
the  common  law,  in  many  of  the  States,  as  well  as  adju- 
dications founded  on  these,  are  highly  creditable  to  the 
legislator  and  to  the  judge.  In  Pennsylvania,  the  laws 
against  blasphemy,  profane  swearing,  and  Sabbath  desecra- 
tion, are  as  good  as,  in  existing  circumstances,  we  have  any 
right  to  expect.  Many  instances  of  judicial  decisions  of  an 
upright  and  Christian  character  could  be  mentioned.  One 
case  only  shall  be  presented,  which  occurred  in  Philadel- 
phia, in  the  District  Court,  before  Judge  Stroud.     "With 


468  lIEMOm   OF   ALEXANDER  MCLEOD,   D.D. 

particular  j^leasure  the  writer  adduces  this  instance,  in 
which  this  worthy  judge  presided.  Having  the  happi- 
^  ness  of  being  personally  acquainted  with  the  judge,  he 
knows  him  to  be  an  excellent  neighbor,  of  stern  and 
inflexible  integrity,  an  upright  and  honorable  man. 

The  case  occurred  on  April  1st,  1840. 

This  was  an  action  to  recover  damages  from  the  defend- 
ants, for  overdriving  a  valuable  pair  of  horses,  belonging  to 
Mr.  Berril,  causing  the  death  of  one,  and  the  permanent 
injury  of  the  other. 

Mr.  Vandyke,  for  the  plaintiff,  stated  that  the  injury 
complained  of,  arose  from  the  conduct  of  the  defendants  on 
the  Sabbath,  18th  of  May,  1838 — and  proceeded  to  call  wit- 
nesses to  sustain  the  plaintiff's  case. 

After  some  testimony  had  been  adduced,  the  judge  sug- 
gested that  the  plaintiff  could  not  recover,  if  the  contract 
for  the  hire  of  the  horses  was  made  on  the  Sabbath.  Mr. 
Campbell,  for  the  plaintiff,  then  offered  to  show  a  contract 
made  on  the  preceding  Saturday,  to  use  the  horses  on 
Sabbath. 

But  the  judge  decided  that  such  proof  v/ould  not  affect  the 
principles  upon  which  he  relied,  to  wit,  that  any  contract 
made  by  any  man  upon  Sabbath,  if  within  his  ordinary  busi- 
ness, or  if  made  on  any  other  day,  to  be  commenced  or 
carried  into  effect  on  Sabbath,  was  void,  and  the  plaintiff 
couid  not  recover  for  any  violation  of  it.  The  plaintiff  was, 
therefore,  nonsuited. 

We  present  another  argument,  not  absolutely  conclu- 
sive in  its  nature,  which,  nevertheless,  is  felt  to  be  of  consi- 
derable force,  and  is  not  to  be  entirely  overlooked.  It  is  an 
argument  taken  from  the  example  of  the  wise  and  good. 
Though  we  may  not  follow  the  multitude  to  do  evil,  yet 


ANOTIIEK   AEGUMENT.  469 

the  modest  and  humble  Christian,  in  a  matter  that  is  not 
flagrantly,  and  at  first  sight  obviously  wrong,  will  pause, 
and  deliberate,  even  in  declining,  and  much  more  in  oppos- 
ing and  denouncing  what  he  sees  the  intelligent,  the  wise, 
the  good,  the  religious  practising  as  a  duty  and  a  privilege, 
from  year  to  year  successively.     Let  us  suppose  one  of  those 
who  were  honored  with  Prorenatan  suspension,  were  thus  to 
indulge  in  reflection :     "  Is  it  possible  that  my  recognition 
of  the  Federal  Constitution,  and  voting  at  elections,  are  sins 
involving  in  them,"   treason   against  the  Redeemer,   and 
rebellion  against  God,  as  the  separating  brethren  declare ; 
and  for  which  they  have  attempted  to  inflict  the  highest 
censures  of  the  house  of  God  ?     What !  is  this  such  a  heinous 
ofience  against  God,  and  yet  I  find  my  friends  A.  B.  C.  and 
D.,  whom  I  have   always  believed  to  be  friends  of  the 
Redeemer — not  traitors  nor  rehels — swear  allegiance,  vote 
at  elections,  and  yet  seem  to  me  to  be  holy,  devout  and 
conscientious  men.     Hundreds  might  be  named,  were  it  not 
invidious   to  make  distinctions.     Yes,  I  have  found  these 
same  persons   observing  the  Sabbath,  attentive  to  family 
worship,  zealous  in  promoting  the  gospel,  contributing  libe- 
rally to  Bible  societies  and  missionary  institutions — indefa- 
tigable in  their  exertions  in  Sabbath  schools — and  in  a  word, 
so  far  as  I  could  judge,  adorning  the  doctrine  of  God  their 
Saviour  by  a  life  and  conversation  becoming  the  gospel. 
Yet  strange !  these  men  held  it  to  be  their  duty  and  their 
privilege  to  vote  at  elections,  and  occasionally  when  called 
to  it,  to  hold  ofiices  under  the  United  States  government. 
Can  these  men,  said  I  to  myself,  be  formally  traitors  and 
rebels  against  the  Redeemer!    Can  they,  indeed,  and  yet 
have  such  an  unction  of  his  Spirit,  and  feel  such  attachment 
to  his  cause!     It  is  impossible.      See  them,  how  tenderly 


470  MEMOIR   OF   ALEXANDER   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

tliey  deal  with  their  erring  brethren.  There  is  truly  some- 
thino;  shockinor  in  the  idea  that  such  a  number  of  fellow 
Christians,  apparently  so  devoted  to  the  cause  of  Christianity, 
should  be,  notwithstanding,  traitors  and  rebels  in  his  camp, 
because  they  hold  civil  and  ^political  communion  with  the 
ffovernment  of  the  United  States. 


KEPRESENTATION.  471 


CIIAPTEE    XIX. 
1833. 

United  Stales  Constitutioa — The  Moral  Ordinance  of  God — Objections 
Answered. 

TircRD.  Some  of  the  objections  to  the  recognition  of  the 
United  States  Constitution  may  now  be  stated. 

All  the  objections  may  be  reduced  to  three^ — lie^resentOr 
Hon  in  Congress,  Sla/oery  and  Religion. 

I.  Representation. — It  is  asserted  that  the  following  pro- 
vision in  the  Constitution,  Art.  1,  sect.  2,  par.  3,  viz.,  "  Re- 
presentation and  direct  taxes  shall  be  aj^portioned  among 
the  several  States  which  may  be  included  within  this  Union, 
according  to  their  respective  numbers,  which  shall  be  deter- 
mined by  adding  to  the  whole  number  of  free  persons, 
including  those  bound  to  service  for  a  term  of  years,  and 
excluding  Indians  not  taxed,  three-fifths  of  all  other  persons," 
is  a  violation  of  the  representative  principle,  and  a  recogni- 
tion of  slavery. 

1.  "With  regard  to  i\\QJirst  of  tliese  allegations,  it  may  be 
remarked,  that  absolute  equality  of  representation,  either  on 
national  or  federal  ground,  is  impossible.  Whatever  num- 
ber of  individuals,  thirty,  forty.,  or  fifty  thousand,  may  be 
fixed  upon,  to  furnish  one  representative,  it  is  not  likely 
that,  in  a  thousand  years,  one  instance  would  occur,  in 
which,  there  should  be  no  fractional  remainder  in  any  of 


472        MEMOIK  OF  ALEXANDER  MCLEOD,  D.D. 

the  States  in  the  Union.  Supposing,  then,  that  sixty  thou- 
sand might,  constitutionally,  send  two  representatives,  and 
the  State  or  Territory  contains  only  fifty-five-thousand  popu- 
lation, then  either  twenty-five  thousand  must  remain  unre- 
presented, or  that  State  or  Territory,  by  sending  two,  have 
an  unjust  excess  of  representation.  An  approximation  is 
all,  therefore,  that  can  be  expected. 

Again,  this  inequality  is  still  more  glaring  in  the  Senate 
of  the  Union.  There,  little  Delaware  and  Ehode  Island 
stand  on  a  par  with  the  great  States  of  ]Srew  York  or  Penn- 
sylvania. This  inequality  proceeds  on  the  footing  of  federal 
compromise,  among  consociate  sovereignties,  in  which  this 
conceded  equality  may  be  as  interesting  to  the  greater  as 
to  the  less ;  just  as  it  may  be  for  the  interest  of  a  capitalist 
of  one  hundred  thousand  dollars,  to  enter  into  partnership  on 
terms  of  equal  dividends  of  profit,  with  one  who  cannot  put 
more  than  seventy-five  thousand  into  the  common  stock. 

2.  With  regard  to  the  second  allegation,  viz.,  that  this 
inequality  in  negro  representation  implies  a  recognition  of 
slavery.     To  this,  it  is  replied — 

It  will  be  at  once  admitted,  that  it  does  recognize 
its  existence  as  a  matter  of  fact,  and  also,  makes  legis- 
lative provision  for  it.  But  so  far  from  either  sanctioning 
or  approving  of  slavery,  it  provides,  1st,  for  taxing,  on 
certain  emergencies,  the  slaveholders,  viewing  the  slaves  as 
persons,  and  not  as  mere  chattels;  and  2d,  inasmuch  as 
five  slaves  are  rated,  in  representation,  as  equal  to  three  free- 
men, the  slaveholder  is  punished  by  a  proportionate 
diminution  of  representation,  and  consequently  of  legisla- 
tive influence  on  the  floor  of  Congress.  The  Southern  States 
had  as  fair  a  claim  to  the  representation  of  all  their  popu- 
lation,  including  their   "disfranchised  Uach  men,"  as  the 


REPRESENTATION.  473 

Nortliern  States  had  to  all  their  population,  including 
their  "  disfranchised  wJiite  men,"  to  wit,  minors,  "  paupers, 
apprentices,  aliens,  and  non-voting  citizens."  Yet  all 
these  latter  are  represented  in  Congress,  while  only  three 
out  of  five  of  the  former  contribute  to  the  representation 
of  the  South. 

H.  Slavery.' — 'The  existence  of  this  terrible  evil  cannot 
be  denied.  It  is  a  foul,  moral  stain,  on  the  national  charac- 
ter, at  the  sight  of  which  virtue  recoils,  and  over  which 
humanity,  unless  its  sensibilities  are  woefully  stupefied, 
must  shed  a  tear.  Yet,  this  monstrous  evil,  it  is  asserted, 
the  Federal  Government  countenances  and  protects.  The 
charge  is  founded.  First,  on  the  following  provision  of  the 
United  States  Constitution  : 

Art.  1,  Sec.  9. — "  The  emigration  or  importation  of  such 
persons  as  any  of  the  States  now  existing  shall  think  pro- 
per to  admit,  shall  not  be  prohibited  by  Congress,  prior 
to  the  year  1808,  but  a  tax  or  duty  may  be  imposed  on 
such  imjyortation^  not  exceeding  ten  dollars  on  each  per- 
son." 

On  this  very  unsightly  subject,  it  is  proposed  to  make  a 
few  observations : 

1.  ITone  can  reprobate  the  nefarious  traffic  in  human 
flesh  more  than  we  do.  We  cordially  approve  of  the 
statute  of  Congress,  by  which  this  accursed  trade  subjects 
the  person  engaged  in  it,  if  caught,  to  the  punishment  of 
death  as  an  outlaw  or  pirate,  out  of  the  pale  of  the  law 
of  nations. 

2.  Let  us  examine  how  far  the  charge  is  true,  or  if 
there  be  any  truth  at  all  in  it,  as  it  respects  the  Federal 
Constitution,  and, 

31 


474:  lilEMOIR   OF   ALEXANDER   MC  LEOD,    D.D. 

(1.)  Did  tlie  Federal  Constitution  originate  slavery  ?  The 
answer  is  at  hand,  which  any  child  in  the  history  of  his 
country  can  give,  '^o ;  it  existed  long  before  the  Federal 
Constitution  had  been  dreamed  of.  The  Federal  Govern- 
ment, then,  did  not  create  it.  The  United  States  Constitu- 
tion is  not  its  author. 

(2.)  To  whom,  or  what,  then,  is  its  origin  to  be  referred  ? 

Let  history  answer  this  question.  It  is  one  of  some 
importance.  It  originated  with  the  mother  country.  This 
nefarious  traffic  was  countenanced  by  the  people  of  London, 
in  1562.  John  Hawkins  commanded  the  vessel  in  which 
the  poor  African  crossed  the  Atlantic.  In  his  third  voy- 
age, on  board  his  ship  "  Jesus  " — (Monstrous  impiety ! 
shocking  profanation !)  he  had  between  four  and  five 
hundred  negroes. — /See  llaJduyfs  Coll.  Voy.  This  same 
Hawkins  was  knighted  by  the  Yirgin  Queen — the  defender 
of  the  faith. 

In  1618,  James  the  First  granted  a  charter  to  Sir  Robert 
Hick  and  others,  to  carry  on  the  slave  trade  from  the  coast 
of  Africa.  The  first  introduction  of  negroes  into  the  British 
colonies  was  in  1620  ;  when  a  Dutch  ship  sailed  up  James 
Hiver,  and  sold  twenty  negroes  to  the  Virginia  planters. 
This  fact  is  mentioned  by  all  the  colonial  historians.- — See 
Beverley^s  History  of  Virginia. 

In  1631,  Charles  the  First  created,  by  charter,  a  second 
company  to  trade  to  the  coast  of  Africa,  granting  exclusive 
rights  for  the  purjDoses  to  Sir  Richard  Young,  Kinclen 
Digby,  &c.  The  fleet  was  fitted  out  in  1632,  with  the  royal 
protection.  In  1651,  the  Long  Parliament  granted  a  charter 
for  five  3^ears  to  a  company  for  carrying  on  the  African 
slave  trade. 

We  see,  from  all  these  historical  references,  that  slavery 


1G38  AND  1649.  475 

existed  witli  nnblusliiiig  eifronteiy  and  unmodified  severity 
under  the  sanction  of  the  British  government,  even  during 
the  Augustin  age  of  reform,  between  1G38  and  1649,  with- 
out, as  far  as  we  are  informed  by  the  annals  of  those  days, 
having  so  much  as  attracted  the  attention  of  the  Westmin- 
ster Assembly  of  Divines,  or  the  Reformed  churches  which 
they  represented.  This-  monstrous  evil  was  becoming  more 
extensive  every  year,  and  yet,  strange  to  tell,  the  Coven- 
anters of  that  day  did  not  reject  the  British  government 
on  that  account !  Yet,  their  successors  constantly  refer  to 
this  period,  between  1638  and  1649,  both  inclusive,  as  the 
purest  period  of  Reform ation  ! 

(3.)  Did  the  Federal  Constitution  authorize  slavery  ?  Ko. 
Let  us  see  the  facts  of  the  case.  Let  them  speak  for  them- 
selves. 

Here  let  it  be  remembered  that  the  United  States  Con- 
stitution was  a  compromise  of  many  conflicting  interests, 
necessarily  requiring  mutual  concessions — that  slavery  pre- 
viously existed— that  in  the  Southern  States  it  was  inter- 
woven with  all  the  social  relations  of  life — that  the  States 
were  all  free  and  independent  sovereignties,  and,  in  the 
formation  of  the  federal  compact,  had  a  right  to  transfer 
or  reserve,  in  their  own  hands,  whatever  portion  of  their 
sovereignty  they  thought  proper — that  the  slave  States 
would  not  suffer  the  question  of  slavery  to  be  touched 
at  all,  beyond  the  temporary  tax  on  importation  for 
twenty  years,  the  permanent  prohibition,  and  the  sacri- 
fice of  two-fifths  of  their  slave  representation  on  tlie  floor 
of  Congress.  Beyond  these,  they  would  resign  nothing, 
nor  entrust  their  new  creation— iho  Federal  Government— 
with  any  legislative  power  on  this  subject. 

(4.)  Could  the  Federal  Government,  in  these  circumstances, 


476  MEMOm   OF   ALEXANDER   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

abolisli  slavery  ?  They  had  then,  they  liave  now,  no  more 
right  to  do  so  than  the  Khan  of  Tartary ;  no  more  right 
than  they  would  have  to  proclaim  emancipation  to  the 
slaves  in  the  island  of  Cuba,  or  any  other  of  the  "West 
India  Islands,  where  slavery  exists. 

(5.)  What  could  they  do  ?  and  what  did  they  do  ?  Tliey 
could  impose  a  tax  on  the  importation  of  negro  slaves 
for  twenty  years  after  the  adoption  of  the  Federal  Con- 
stitution. They  did  so.  They  could  prohibit  the  traffic 
entirely,  at  the  expiration  of  twenty  years,  in  1808.  They 
did  so.  They  had  the  law  enacted,  cut  and  dry,  so  as  to 
go  immediately  into  operation  after  12  o'clock,  p.m.,  31st 
December,  1807.  It  would  be  gratifying  to  the  friend  of 
humanity  to  trace  the  progress  of  legislation  from  the 
Ordinance,  1787,  which  made  the  admission  of  the  new 
States  which  should  be  formed  out  of  the  then  l^orth 
Western  Territory  into  the  Union,  to  depend  upon  their 
Constitutional  prohibition  of  slavery,  down  through  the 
years  1794,  1800,  1807,  1811,  1819,  1820,  when  a  partici- 
pation in  that  dark  commerce  was  made  by  law  a  capital 
crime — piracy  on  the  high  seas.  Could  the  Federal 
Government  have  done  any  more  ?  Yes.  It  could  have 
abolished  slavery  in  the  District  of  Columbia,  but  did 
not !  It  could  have  prevented  the  jnost  inhuman  traffic 
between  the  States,  which  often  rends  asunder  the 
strongest  and  the  tenderest  ties  of  our  nature,  in  separ- 
ating husband  and  wife,  parent  and  child ;  but  this  it 
has  not  done.  This  is  deeply  to  be  regretted.  It,  how- 
ever, affects  not  the  principle  of  the  Constitution.  It  is 
chargeable  to  nnaladminist ration. 

Here  it  will  be  requisite  to  observe,  that  we  have  been  in 
the  practice  of  using  the  word  "  Constitution  of  the  United 


LIBEEIA.  477 

States,"  and  the  '■'■government  of  the  United  States"  indif- 
ferently in  tliis  inquiry.  It  is  necessary  to  distinguish 
between  them,  in  answering  the  question  proposed  at  the 
head  of  this  article,  viz.:  "Has  the  United  States  govern- 
ment aided  and  countenanced  slavery?"  In  reference  to 
that  admirable  document  denominated  the  Federal  Con- 
stitution, so  far  as  its  true  spirit  has  been  carried  out  in 
the  executive  administration,  the  answer  is,  no :  hut  the 
very  contrary.  The  genius  of  the  Constitution,  in  its  legiti- 
mate tendency,  when  faithfully  administered  by  a  correct 
and  honest  executive,  so  far  from  abetting  slavery,  has 
already  prevented  the  bondage  of  millions  of  the  African 
race,  and  is  now  extending,  with  fostering  care,  the  wings 
of  the  national  eagle  over  the  infant  colonies  of  Liberia. 

We  would  conclude  then  this  observation  with  remarking, 
that  the  Constitution  of  the  United  States  laid  the  founda- 
tion of  a  series  of  provisions  which,  by  their  upright  and 
faithful  development  and  application,  would  stop  the 
progress,  and  ultimately  annihilate  this  great  moral  pesti- 
lence ;  but  neither  the  national  legislature,  nor  the  executive 
administration,  have  yet  practically  appreciated  such  a 
desirable  consummation. 

The  charge  of  countenancing  slavery  is  founded,  in  the 
Second  place,  on  the  following  provision  of  the  United 
States  Constitution — Art.  4,  sec.  2 :  "  No  person  held  to 
service  or  labor  in  one  State,  under  the  laws  thereof,  escap- 
ing into  another,  shall  in  consequence  of  any  law  or 
regulation  therein,  be  discharged  fi'om  such  service  or 
labor ;  but  shall  be  delivered  up  on  claim  of  the  party  to 
which  such  labor  shall  be  due." 

To  this  it  may  be  rc23lied,  that  there  is  not  one  word  in  this 
provision  which  would  not  be  necessary,  if  there  were  not 


4:Y8  MEMOIR   OF   ALEXAl^DER   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

a  single  slave  in  the  United  States.  It  covers  tlie  case  of 
the  hired  servant  and  the  absconding  apprentice,  as  well  as 
that  of  the  slave.  If  the  provision  be  abnsed  by  the 
legislature  or  the  executive,  this  too  is  criminal  maladmin- 
istration. 

This  charge  is  founded,  Thikd,  on  a  provision  in  the 
Constitution, — Art.  1,  sec.  9th.  "  The  migration  or  importa- 
tion of  such  persons,  as  any  of  the  States  now  existing  shall 
think  proper  to  admit,  shall  not  be  prohibited  by  the 
Congress  prior  to  the  year  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and 
eight ;  but  a  tax  or  duty  may  be  imposed  on  such  importa- 
tion, not  exceeding  ten  dollars  for  each  person."  This  is 
denominated  by  the  objectors,  "  a  license  to  carry  on 
piratical  practice  for  twenty  years." 

1.  Here  let  it  be  recollected  that  slavery  existed  in  the 
colonies,  was  legalized  by  the  British  Government,  and 
passed  into  these  States  along  with  their  independence. 

2.  Let  it  also  be  kept  in  mind,  that  the  States  were 
independent  sovereignties.  That,  however  criminal  in  the 
eye  of  the  Divine  law,  and  however  grating  to  the  feelings 
of  philanthropy  the  traffic  in  slavery  really  was,  yet  otlier 
nations  had  no  right  of  interference,  but  by  conventional 
stipulations.  The  denial  of  this  position  would  lead  to  a 
national  knight-errantry — a  Quixotic  eifort  to  correct  the 
abuses  and  redress  the  grievances  which  may  exist  in  other 
nations. 

3.  Let  it  be  inquired  whether  the  advocates  of  liberty^ 
the  free  States,  did  not  gain  an  important  point,  when,  by 
negotiation,  they  had  persuaded  those  whom  they  could  not 
compel^  first,  solemnly  to  bind  themselves,  after  the  lapse  of 
twenty  years,  to  relinquish  the  practice  entirely ;  and^^ 
secondly,  in  the  meantime,  during  these  twenty  years,  to 


CONl'EDERATION'.  479 

submit  to  a  tax  of  ten  dollars  per  head,  on  every  slave  tliey 
slionld  import  ?  Or,  would  it  have  been  better,  neither  to 
have  limited  the  duration  of  this  nefarious  practice,  nor 
have  imposed  any  restriction  upon  it !  Since  it  is  impos- 
sible to  obtain  all  that  was  desirable,  proper,  and  due, 
would  it  have  been  better  to  have  taken  nothins;  at  all  ?  In 
a  case  of  insolvency,  would  you  refuse  seventy-five  cents 
out  of  the  dollar,  in  the  dividend,  because  you  could  not 
obtain  the  whole  !  surely  not. 

But  it  argued  in  the  Fourth  place,  that  since  slavery 
exists  in  some  of  the  States,  and  as  all  the  population  are 
united  by  the  Federal  Constitution,  in  a  national  capacity, 
slavery  thus  becomes  a  national  sin,  and  is  chargeable  on 
all,  the  free  as  well  as  the  slaveholding  States. 

1.  However  plausible  this  allegation  may  be,  nay,  however 
correct  and  just,  in  a  consolidated  government,  purely 
national,  it  has  not  the  same  force  in  a  confederation  of 
sovereignties.  As  sovereign  States,  they  hold  th,emselves 
responsible  only  to  the  Governor  of  N^ations.  No  State  has 
any  right  of  interference  with  the  peculiar  policy  or  muni- 
cipal regulations  of  another.  "  They  never  had  when 
separate  ;  and  now,  that  they  are  united,  they  have  no  right 
to  act  politically  upon  each  other,  except  through  the 
Federal  medium."  And  certainly,  this  can  extend  no 
further  than  to  whatever  they  voluntarily  resigned  on  enter- 
ing into  the  Federal  compact.  But  over  this  they  delegated 
no  control  to  the  Federal  Government ;  and  consequently  it 
has  no  right  to  interfere — and  as  the  individual  States  have 
no  right  of  interference,  but  through  the  Federal  medium, 
they  may  not  touch  the  subject,  any  more  than  they  may 
interfere  to  correct  any  other  domestic  immorality  in  the 
State. 


480         MEMOIR  OF  ALEXANDER  MCLEOD,  D.D. 

2.  Tlie  union  among  tliese  different  States  was  a  ques- 
tion of  expediency,  and  rests  upon  tlie  principle  common  to 
all  international  conventions — the  common  benefit  of  all 
concerned.  The  independence  of  these  States  is,  as  the 
friends  of  freedom  will  admit,  one  of  the  most  important 
events  recorded  in  historj^.  It  was  achieved  at  great 
expense  of  blood  and  treasure — it  was  worth  much  more 
than  it  cost.  But  its  benefits  could  not  have  been  obtained, 
nor  could  they  be  secured,  but  by  union.  Yet  had  its 
acquisition,  or  its  maintenance,  compromitted  any  moral 
principle,  rather  let  it  be  shivered  to  atoms  ;  we  may  not,  in 
any  instance  act  upon  the  Jesuitical  j)i'inciple,  "to  do 
evil,  that  good  may  come  of  it."  But  the  Federal  Consti- 
tution, on  the  article  of  slavery,  required  no  such  sacrifice. 
It  did  not  create  this  moral  pestilence — it  had  no  j)ower  to 
annihilate  it — it  deprives  no  human  being  of  liberty — it  has 
no  provision  in  it  iov  perpetuating  ^  but,  on  the  contrary, 
much  for  mitigating,  and  ultimately  extinguishing  this 
hideous  evil. 

Another  allegation,  in  the  FiETn  place,  has  been  rested 
upon  the  following  provision  in  the  Federal  Constitution  :■ — • 
Art.  4,  sec.  4.  "  The  United  States  shall  protect  each  of 
the  States  against  domestic  violence."  It  Avould  appear 
from  the  discussions  in  convention  of  the  framers  of  this 
instrument,  that  the  interference  of  the  Federal  power  was 
never  contemplated.  In  those  States,  the  slave  being  con- 
templated as  private  property,  the  laws  of  the  State  which 
created  such  a  species  of  property  must  defend  it.  The 
Statesmen  of  the  South  say,  "  We  do  not  ask  the  aid  of  any 
government  whatever.  It  is  created  property,  by  our  law, 
and  our  own  State  governments  are  able  to  carry  that  law 
into  execution.     This  (Federal)  government  has  no  more  to 


DEFECTS   IN   LEGISLATION.  481 

do  witli  it,  than  tlic  Klian  of  Tartaiy.  Our  laws  will,  may, 
and  must  execute  tliemselves." 

But,  in  the  Sixtk  place,  slavery  still  prevails  in  the 
District  of  Columbia,  over  which  the  Federal  Government 
has  complete  control. 

The  fact  is  undeniable — here  there  is  no  apology. — See  Art. 
1,  sec.  8,  United  States  Constitution  :  "  Congress  shall  have 
power  to  exercise  exclusive  legislation  in  all  cases  whatever, 
over  such  a  District,  not  exceeding  ten  miles  square — as 
may,  by  session  of  particular  States  and  the  acceptance  of 
Congress,  become  the  seat  of  government  of  the  United 
States."  They  have  the  power,  they  want  the  will — but  of 
this  before.  This  allegation,  however,  bears  not  upon  the 
United  States  Constitution,  but  is  a  defect  in  national 
legislation.  The  majorities  of  Congress  are  to  blame.  They 
stand  arraigned  in  the  sight  of  God,  for  their  neglect  of,  nay 
more,  their  antipathy  against,  this  sacred  duty  of  letting  the 
innocent,  unoffending  prisoner  go  free.  All  the  waters  of 
the  Potomac — all  the  waters  of  the  ocean,  would  not  wash 
off  this  foul  stain  from,  the  national  escutcheon. 

III.  The  third  grand  objection  is  on  the  score  of  Religion.  ' 
The  Constitution  of  the  United  States  has  been  denounced 
as  atheistical.     But 

1.  TiiQ  first  allegation  made  in  support  of  this  charge  is, 
"  That  the  name  of  God  is  not  mentioned  in  the  Federal 
Constitution."  For  this  neglect,  no  apology  can  be  offered  : 
we  admit  that  it  was  a  criminal  omission.  It  is  deeply  to 
be  regretted.  Nevertheless,  it  is  not  admitted  that  this 
omission  destroys  the  validity  of  that  instrument,  or  at  all 
nullifies  its  moral  obligation.  Both  the  Being  and  tlie  Pro- 
vidence of  God  are  recognized  in  the  Declaration  of  Inde- 


482  MEMOm   OF   ALEXAJSTDER   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

pendence^ — our  Bill  of  Rights.  But  we  are  not  autliorized 
to  reject  the  validity  of  tjie  Constitution  for  this  omission. 
Take  this  instrument  in  connection  with  the  State  Constitu- 
tionSj  separate  from  which  it  was  never  designed  to  present 
-  a  political  system,  even  as  perfect  as  frail,  erring  man  could 
make,  and  receive  it,  in  connection  with  these,  as  integral 
parts  of  one  great  whole,  and  this  objection  will  be  com- 
pletely removed. 

But  again,  that  such  an  omission  in  a  public  document 
ought  not  to  nullify  its  authority,  will  be  manifest  from  the 
fact  that  the  validity  of  the  books  of  Esther,  and  the  Song 
of  Solomon,  has  never  been  questioned  on  the  score  of  the 
name  of  God  not  being  found  in  either  of  them.  The 
Scripture  must  be  viewed  as  a  whole.  As  well  might  we 
reject  every  chapter  and  every  verse  where  the  name  of  God 
is  not  mentioned,  as  reject  these  books  for  this  omission. 

2.  An  objection  is  advanced  on  the  score  of  the  non-recog- 
nition of  Clmstianity.  This  has  also  been  settled  before. 
It  has  been  stated  that  the  oath  of  office — the  Anno  Do- 
mini— the  exemption  of  the  Sabbath  from  official  duties' — • 
the  kissing  of  the  Gospels — (however  wrong  in  itself) — the 
employment  of  chaplains,  &c.  &c.  all  imply  a  recognition 
of  Christianity. 

3.  It  is  objected  that  there  is  no  religious  test  necessary  as 
a  qualification  for  filling  any  particular  office.  The  article 
of  the  Constitution  here  impugned  is  the  tJiird  of  the  amend- 
ments—" Congress  shall  make  no  law  respecting  an  estab- 
lishment of  religion,  or  prohibiting  the  free  exercise  thereof" 
— whereby  the  existence  of  a  religious  establishment  by 
civil  authority  is  absolutely  prohibited,  and  where  there  is 
no  civil  establishment  of  religion,  there  is  no  room  for  a 
religious  test.     In  the  United  States,  of  course,  there  is  none. 


THE   CHURCH   PEOTECTED.  .483 

How  far  tlie  interests  of  Christianity  have  been  promoted 
by  governmental  patronage  and  superintending  care,  the 
history  and  experience  of  the  cliurch  can  testify.  That  the 
law  of  God  should  be  taken  as  the  rule  of  national,  as 
well  as  personal  action,  is  manifest.  The  Church  of  God  is 
the  authorized  expositrix  of  that  law ;  and  when  the  civil 
authorities,  in  their  own  department,  act  in  conformity 
thereunto,  and  yield  protection  to  the  Cliurch  of  God  in 
interpreting  and  applying  her  own  laws,  it  is,  perhaps,  all 
that  can  or  ought  to  be  expected  of  them.  "  Individuals 
may  transgress,  and  yet  be  true  Christians — the  church  may 
fall  short  of  the  proper  rule,  and  yet  be  still  a  j)art  of 
Christ's  body ;  the  State  may  also  be  deficient  in  conformity 
to  the  true  model,  in  many  particulars,  and  be  deserving  of 
recognition,  as  moral  and  Christian.  A  man  may  be  still  a 
man,  though  he  may  be  deficient  of  an  ear  or  an  arm,  or 
have  some  unsightly  excrescence  growing  upon  his  person." 
The  government  of  the  United  States  is  one  of  powers 
specifically  enumerated.  The  constituents  have  not  dele- 
gated to  any  officer,  whether  legislative  or  executive,  the 
power  to  interfere  with  their  religion.  They  considered 
this  too  sacred,  too  much  a  matter  between  their  God 
and  themselves — God  and  their  consciences — to  deposit 
in  the  hands,  or  leave  it  in  the  care  of  any  third  person. 
The  Congress,  of  course,  have  no  right  at  all  delegated 
to  them,  to  appoint  or  establish  any  religion  for  the 
people.  This  is  expressly  denied.  Consequently,  congres- 
sional legislation,  on  this  subject,  is  utterly  inadmissible. 
The  great  mass  of  the  people  in  these  United  States  would 
just  as  soon  give  the  Pope  their  consciences  to  keej)  for 
them,  to  save  them  the  trouble  of  keeping  them  themselves, 
as  trust  their  religion  to  their  representatives  in  Congress. 


48-i         MEMOIR  OF  ALEXANDER  MCLEOD,  D.D. 

A  civil  establisliment  of  religion,  as  professed  by  one  sect, 
and  a  toleration  of  others,  in  the  technical  sense  of  these 
terms,  can  never  take  place  in  this  country  until  Popery 
gain  the  ascendency — a  consummation  most  devoutly  to  be 
deprecated  !  Since  the  commencement  of  Christianity,  all 
civil  establishments  of  religion  have  been  like  dead  flies  to 
the  apothecary's  ointment.  Their  commencement,  in  the 
fourth  century,  by  Constantino,  "was  destructive  of  the 
j)urity  of  Christianity,  and  prepared  the  way  for  the  reve- 
lation of  the  man  of  sin.  It  has  subserved  his  interests 
ever  since  he  reached  maturity,  and  is  in  perfect  harmony 
with  his  infallibility. 

It  may  be  asked,  according  to  these  views,  how  shall  the 
kingdoms  of  this  world  become  the  kingdoms  of  our  Lord 
and  of  his  Christ,  according  to  the  promise  ?  In  answer  to 
this  very  important  inquiry,  it  may  be  replied,  the  means 
to  bring  about  this  most  desirable  consummation  are 
already  in  operation.  In  this  country  we  begin  with 
the  root — the  people.  In  monarchical  countries,  the  mon- 
arch is  root,  and  the  poor  plebeians  are  little  more  in  esti- 
mation than  the  withered  leaves  and  twigs  on  the  great 
social  tree.  We  try  to  imbue  the  sovereign  people  with 
the  influence  and  spirit  of  the  Gospel.  Admirable  auxili- 
aries to  this  are  Bible  societies,  missionary  institutions.  Sab- 
bath schools,  tract  societies,  temperance  societies,  &c.,  which 
are  all  now  in  full  tide  of  successful  operation  through  these 
United  States,  and  through  most  of  Christendom.  The 
influence  of  these  grand  auxiliaries  to  the  dissemination  of 
truth,  and  the  formation  of  virtue,  is  beginning  to  be  felt, 
and  will  continue  to  roll  along,  imtil  it  shall  embrace  the 
habitable  globe.  Where  is  the  Bible  first  to  be  estab- 
lished?    Surely,  in  the  hearts  of  the   people — the  consti- 


THE   BIBLE.  485 

tuency  of  our  government.  These  laws,  suggested  by  the 
Bible,  will  be  enacted  and  obeyed.  Public  sentiment  will 
feel  and  recognize  their  obligation.  First^  then,  make  the 
tree  good,  and  the  fruit  will  be  of  the  same  quality.  Let 
the  people  be  instructed  in  the  Scriptures,  impressed  with 
a  sense  of  duty,  and  feel  their  obligation  to  God,  to  society, 
and  to  themselves,  and  is  it  to  be  supposed  for  a  moment, 
that  they  would  elect  deists,  heretics,  or  non-professors  of 
religion,  to  represent  them  in  the  halls  of  legislation,  or  to 
occupy  executive  offices?  Impossible!  Would  they  com- 
mit such  important  interests  to  the  enemies  of  the  Redeemer, 
rather  than  put  them  into  the  hands  of  his  friends  ?  Surely 
not!  The  nation  will  soon  become  Hephzibah,  and  the 
land  Beulah — the  Lord  delighting  in,  and  the  land  being 
married,  and  so,  no  longer  forsakeu  or  desolate.  Then, 
"  one  shall  say,  I  am  the  Lord's ;  another  shall  call  himself 
by  the  name  of  Jacob ;  and  another  shall  subscribe  with  his 
hand  unto  the  Lord,  and  surname  himself  by  the  name  of 
Israel."  To  the  Bible,  and  the  blessing  of  God  accompany- 
ing its  distribution  and  exposition,  the  rapidly  progressive 
amelioration  of  the  social  interests  of  our  race  is  to  be 
ascribed.  And  the  time  is  approaching,  when  the  king- 
doms of  this  world  shall  become  "  the  kingdoms  of  our  Lord 
and  of  his  Christ." 

Here  the  writer  is  admonished  that  some  may  consider 
those  discussions  as  a  digression  from  the  subject,  and  say, 
what  have  they  to  do  with  a  memoir  of  the  life  of  the  late 
Dr.  McLeod?  It  will  be  readily  admitted  that  such  an 
objection  is  not  implausible.  But,  let  the  objector  consider 
that  Dr.  McLeod  coincided  in  sentiment  on  all  these  pub- 
lic points  with  us,  his  brethren,  whose  views  have   been 


486        MEMOm  OF  ALEXANDER  MCLEOD,  D.D. 

above  expressed.  In  vindicating  ourselves  we  vindicate 
bim,  or  rather  we  vindicate  the  church  to  which  we  all 
belong,  and  from  which  the  brethren  who  adopt  the 
restricted  views  which  we  have  controverted,  found  them- 
selves constrained  to  make  a  disorderly  secession. 


LAST  ILLNESS.  487 


CHAPTEK    XX. 

1833. 

Last  Illness — Death — Character — Tributes  of  Respect. 

The  closing  scene  of  the  life  of  tliis  great  and  good 
man  was  highly  interesting.  A  mutnal  friend  has  written 
of  him  as  follows : 

"  On  Dr.  McLeod's  return  from  Europe,  his  health  was 
so  far  apparently  restored  as  to  justify  the  fond  hopes  of 
his  family  and  flock  that  he  might  he  spared  for  years  to 
be  their  instructor  and  counseller.     But  the  all-wise  Creator 
of  the  universe  had  other  designs.      A  physical  enlarge- 
ment of  the  heart,  which  was  always  morally  large  enough 
to  embrace  the  whole  family  of  man,  retarded  the  due  circu- 
lation of  tlie  blood,  so  that  symptoms  of  dropsy  in  the  chest 
presented  themselves,  and  these  agents  of  God  combined, 
gradually  undermined  an   otherwise  vigorous  constitution. 
On  the  17th  of  February,  1833,  on  the  morning  of  which 
he  remarked  to  his  wife,  '  Tliis  is  the  Sabbath,  it  is  a  day  of 
rest ;  and   there   remaineth  a  rest  for  the  people  of  God ; 
for  this  I  long,'  and  at  about  half-past  eleven,  in  the  59th 
year  of  his  age,  and  34:tli  of  his  ministr}-,  this  servant  of  God 
expired.     He  left  the  world  with  all  the  calmness,  the  intel- 
ligence, the  dignity  and  solemnity  of  one  wlio  believed  he 


488  MEMOIE   OF   ALEXAITOER   MCLEOD,    D.D . 

was  about  to  be  introduced  to  the  presence  chamber  of 
his  God !  He  had,  to  use  his  own  favorite  phrase,  occupied 
*  the  niche'  allotted  to  him  in  the  Church  below,  and 
his  covenant  God  took  him  to  fill  a  niche  in  the  temple 
not  made  with  hands,  eternal  in  the  heavens. 

"  He  had  something  appropriate  and  characteristically 
original  to  say  to  all  who  visited  him  ;  and  they  will  doubt- 
less treasure  up  these  sayings  as  valuable  memorials.  My 
own  recollections  furnish  items  of  a  few  conversations 
which  I  think  deserve  record  in  this  place.  On  the  21st 
January,  I  called  to  see  him,  and  he  came  from  his  bed- 
room, for  the  last  time,  to  his  parlor,  '  to  receive  me.  We 
were  alone.'  He  stated  that  '  he  had  been  always  in  con- 
troversy, but  his  were  the  controversies  of  gentlemen.  "With 
Bishop  Hobart,  on  the  subject  of  church  government,  but 
they  were  ever  mutual  friends  ;  and  on  some  topics  with 
Doctor  Mason ;  yet,  he  had  never  seen  anything  in  him 
which  led  him  for  a  moment  to  doubt  that  he  was  a  great 
man,  a  good  and  an  honorable  man.' 

"  On  the  1st  of  February,  I  found  him  under  the  influ- 
ence of  his  disease,  quite  lethargic  ;  but  being  roused  by 
the  word  ])reacliin(j^  which  had  been  dropped  in  conver- 
sation, he  awoke,  saying,  '  I  will  always  preach  Christ,'  and 
with  tears  he  added,  '  It  was  a  work  I  always  loved ;  I 
always  loved  to  preach  Christ.  Yes,  from  six  years  of  age. 
I  hoj>e  and  believe  that  I  loved  even  then  to  tldiik  of 
preaching  Christ. 

"  I  remarked,  '  with  that  work,  I  believe  you  are  done, 
and  now  follows  the  reward.'  '  Yes,'  he" replied,  '  I  believe  I 
am  done  with  that  Avork ;  but  no,  no  reward  for  me.  I 
deserve  nothing ;  it  is  all  of  grace,  and  eternity  alone  will 
be  long  enough  for  me  to  acknowledge  my  indebtedness.' 


TRIUMPH^  489 

Eut,  said  I,  '  The  fact  13  so,  in  the  order  of  events ;  the 
saints  rest  from  their  labors,  and  their  works  do  follow  them 
— nay,  sometimes  go  before  them,  as  witnesses  for  them, 
and  evidences  in  their  favor.'  '  Yes,'  he  replied,  '  there  is 
comfort  in  that ;  God  is  my  witness,  whom  I  serve  with 
my  spirit  in  the  Gospel  of  his  Son.' 

"  '  And,'  said  he,  '  there  is  another  witness :  The  testi- 
mony of  our  own  conscience.  I  have  that,  and  it  comforts 
me,  that  while  man  may  misrepresent  and  misstate,  God  is  a 
God  of  truth,  and  will  witness  to  no  falsehood.  He  will 
witness  to  the  truth  in  the  case  both  of  friends  and  foes.' 

"  After  a  pause,  and  in  another  connection,  he  remarked : 
*  I  love  the  world,  because  God  made  it ;  I  have  loved  all 
mankind  ;  I  have  always  had  a  favorable  opinion  of  my 
fellow  men ;  I  never  knew  the  being  I  hated  ;  and  I  wish 
my  last  hour  and  my  dying  pillow  may  be  occupied  in 
loving  them  that  hate  me,  and  blessing  them  that  curse  me!' 

''  Speaking  of  the  apparent  change  in  his  hands  in  a 
pendant  or  horizontal  position,  he  observed — '  My  fi-ame 
undergoes  many  changes,  and  all  for  the  better ;  and  the 
last  change  it  will  undergo,  will  be  the  best  of  all !' 

"And  after  uniting  in  prayer,  he  distinctly  uttered  the 
triumphant  exclamation  of  Paul — ''  O  death,  where  is  tliy 
sting  I  O  grave,  where  is  thy  victory  ?  Thanks  be  to  God, 
which  giveth  us  the  victory,  through  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ." 

"With  his  old  and  tried  friend,  Mr.  Andrew  Giflord,  a 
member  of  his  Session,  and  himself  an  eminent  Christian, 
he  conversed  daily  on  the  subject  of  his  deatli,  and  always 
spoke  most  confidently,  yet  with  great  humihty,  of  the 
happy  change   for  which   he  felt  himself  preparing.     The 

32 


490  MEMOIR   OF   ALEXANDER   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

conversation  of  these  two  friends,  as  they  spent  a  portion 
of  eacli  day  together  for  months  before  Dr.  McLeod's 
decease,  was  eminently  "  in  heaven."  They  seemed  to  talk 
of  it  as  a  familiar  p>lace ;  and  its  society,  its  employments, 
its  joys,  its  securities,  and  above  all,  the  Redeemer,  who  is 
its  light  and  glory,  were  the  themes  upon  which  they 
enlarged,  to  the  exclusion  of  all  others.  They  spoke  of 
their  approaching  separation  as  but  temporary,  and  rejoiced 
in  the  conviction  that  a  re-union  not  again  to  be  interrupted 
would  soon  take  place.  To  his  son,  who  records  the  above- 
mentioned  facts,  he  said  one  morning,  "  You  need  not  be 
surprised  at  any  time  when  you  leave  me,  to  find  me  gone 
when  you  return."  But,  he  added,  with  a  look  of  heavenly 
serenity  and  joy  never  to  be  forgotten,  "Be  not  unduly 
moved ;  by  the  grace  of  God  I  am  ready  for  the  change." 

Another  interesting  occurrence  took  place  at  the  last 
family  altar  around  which  he  worshiped.  He  had  called 
his  family  into  his  room  for  that  purpose,  and  after  the 
services  performed  by  his  son,  he  looked  around  upon  his 
wife  and  upon  each  of  their  children,  so  as  to  recognize 
them.  He  then,  like  the  dying  patriarch,  concentrated  all 
the  energies  of  his  mind,  and  all  the  affections  of  his  heart, 
and  with  uplifted  hands  and  an  audible  voice  pronounced 
the  Apostolic  benediction,  "  The  grace  of  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  and  the  love  of  God,  and  the  communion  of  the 
Holy  Ghost,  be  with  you  all.     Amen." 

Thus  fell  asleep  in  Jesus,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Alexander  McLeod, 
a  man  on  whom  the  Father  of  Spirits  had  bestowed 
"  superior  mental  endowments — force  of  imderstanding — ■ 
solidity  of  judgment — richness  of  imagination — command 
of  language,  and  the  graces  of  utterance.  He  had,  more 
than  any  of  hie  clerical  compeers,  studied  the  science  of  the 


DEATH.  491 

human  mind,  and  bis  metaphysical  researclies  enabled  bim 
promptly  to  detect,  expose,  and  refute  tbe  ftillacy  and  folly 
of  an  argument,  wbile  it  enabled  liim  to  appreciate  tbe 
force  and  justness  of  legitimate  conclusions." 

Yes  !  be  is  gone.  But,  "  tbougb  dead,  be  yet  speaketb," 
in  tbe  valuable  works  be  bas  left  bcbind  bim  ;  and  bis 
memory  is  embalmed  in  tbe  most  affectionate  recollections 
of  bis  numerous  surviving  admirers.  Public  sentiment 
responds  in  unison  w'ltli  tbe  obituary  notices  of  bis  death, 
in  the  most  respectable  journals.  Of  these  tbe  following 
are  specimens : 

From  the  Christian  Intelligencer. 

BY   THE   EEV.    DK.   WESTBEOOK,  OF   THE   EEFOEMED   DUTCH 
CHUECH. 

"  The  Rev.  Alexander  McLeod,  JD.D. — This  eminent  and 
devoted  servant  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  had  been  with- 
drawn from  his  active  and  useful  labors  for  some  time,  by  a 
severe  and  obstinate  affection  of  the  heart.  But  it  was 
hoped  that  his  strong  and  vigorous  constitution  might 
sustain  bim  under  its  powerful  influence,  and  that  he  might, 
in  due  time,  resume  the  important  place  which  he  bad  for  a 
long  time  and  with  such  reputation,  tilled  in  the  church, 
and  in  the  American  community. 

."  The  footsteps  of  tbe  Almighty  are  in  tbe  deej)  watera,  and 
his  ways  are  unsearchable.  The  infirmities  consequent  upon 
his  disease,  combined  with  the  pressure  of  ecclesiastical 
cares,  have  finally  broken  down  this  mighty  man — mighty 
in  intellectual  and  acquired  strength,  and  mighty  in  his 
moral  influence  over  bis  fellow  men. 

"  This  beloved  and  respected  disciple  ended  bis  wearisome 


492  MEMOIE   OF   ALEXANDER   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

pilgrimage  on  the  day  of  sacred  rest  (17tli  ultimo.) 
in  the  fifty-ninth  year  of  his  age,  and  thirty-fourth  of  his 
ministry. 

"He  is  the  last  of  those  men  of  ministerial  talent  that  once 
threw  their  light  and  iniinence  over  this  city  and  the 
Christian  community.  He  was  the  compeer  of  Livingston, 
Eomeyn,  Mason,  Abeel,  and  Hobart.  All  these  men 
acknowledged  him  as  their  equal,  and  this  city  felt  a 
cominunity  in  them  all,  such  as  is  seldom  acknowledged. 

"Dr.  McLeod's  powers  of  mind  were  not  confined  to  the 
comparatively  small  Christian  community  to  which  he 
belonged.  In  the  political  struggles  of  his  countrj^,  he  was 
the  Christian  patriot.  He  was  the  j)atron  of  literature  and 
science,  and  throughout  the  whole  course  of  his  life  he  was 
true  to  the  sacred  claims  of  friendship  ;  undeviating  and 
consistent  in  all  his  public  conduct,  and  to  the  closing  scene 
he  persevered  in  displaying  all  the  promptness  and  decision 
of  the  greatest  men,  without  those  eccentricities  and  weak- 
nesses that  have  detracted  from  the  characters  of  not  a  few. 
He  died  with  all  the  simplicity  of  a  child  of  Christ  Jesus, 
and  all  the  firmness  of  a  soldier  of  the  Cross. 

"  His  funeral  was  numerously  attended,  and  the  whole 
community  felt  that  a  great  man  had  fallen  in  Israel. 
He  sleeps  with  the  mighty  dead,  whose  memory  shall  ever 
be  cherished. 

"His  mourning  family  and  bereaved  flock  will  especially 
remember  him  who  had  the  rule  over  them.  Tlieir  father, 
the  guide  of  their  j^outh,  is  now  no  more.  His  footsteps  and 
his  voice  have  died  away  in  the  grave,  where  he  now  rests 
in  hope  of  glory,  honor  and  immortality." 


DE.    WESTBKOOK.  493 

From  the  Philadelphian. 
BY   HIS    PHILADELPHIA  FRIEND. 

"  Ohituary  J^otice. — Entered  into  liis  rest,  on  the  Sabbath, 
lYth  inst,  at  half-past  eleven  o'clock,  a.m.  in  the  fifty -ninth 
year  of  his  age,  and  the  thirty-fourth  of  his  ministry,  the 
Rev.  Alexander  McLeod,  D.  D.,  senior  Pastor  of  the  First 
Reformed  Presbyterian  Congregation  in  the  city  of  ]^ew 
York. 

"  Dr.  McLeod  was  a  native  of  the  Isle  of  Mull,  jSTorth  Bri- 
tain. His  father  and  grandfather  were  respectable  godly 
ministers  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  in  their  native  land. 
Tlie  Doctor  emigrated  to  this  country  in  early  youth ;  and 
was  ever  an  enthusiastic  admirer  of  its  free  republican  insti- 
tutions. He  was,  for  a  considerable  time  before  his  decease, 
afflicted  with  a  severe  and  lingering  disease,  which  he 
endured  with  true  fortitude  and  Christian  resignation.  He 
possessed  a  most  vigorous  and  masculine  mind,  and  an 
intellect  of  the  first  order,  highly  cultivated  by  the  best 
education,  and  polished  by  choice  society.  He  was  an 
energetic,  eloquent,  and  powerful  preacher  ;  indefatigable 
in  the  services  of  the  sanctuary,  and  labors  of  love ;  a 
most  learned  and  profound  theologian.  ]^one  understood 
more  acurately  than  he  the  doctrines  of  the  Reformation, 
for  which  the  martyrs  bled  and  died  ;  none  exemplified 
these  doctrines  more  fully  and  conscientiously,  by  a  life  and 
conversation  becoming  the  profession  he  made.  To  these 
principles  he  adhered  with  undeviating  stedfastness,  to 
the  end  of  his  life.  Ks>  he  lived  the  life,  so  he  died  the 
death  of  the  Righteous.  His  faith  continued  triumphant  to 
the  last — without  a  struggle,  with  a  groan  he  fell  asleep  in 
Jesus.     '  Blessed  are  the  dead  who  die  in  the  Lord.' 


494         MEMOIK  OF  ALEXANDER  MCLEOD,  D.D. 

"  By  tlie  death  of  Doctor  McLeod,  tlie  cause  of  truth 
has  lost  a  most  powerful  champion,  and  the  Keformed 
Presbyterian  Church  one  of  her  brightest  ornaments  and 
most  faithful  sons.  The  loss  will  be  long  felt  and  lamented. 
But  there  is  consolation  in  the  stroke ;  their  loss  is  his 
unspeakable  gain.  His  name  will  be  long  remembered, 
and  will  be  united  with  most  pleasing  and  interesting  asso- 
ciations, not  only  in  the  churches  in  the  United  States,  but 
also  in  those  in  Britain  and  Ireland,  where  he  was  known 
and  admired,  as  well  from  personal  acquaintance  as  from 
the  numerous  and  valuable  productions  of  his  powerful  pen. 

"As  an  author,  he  was  profound,  yet  perspicuous ;  his 
arrangement  was  lucid  ;  liis  style  nervous ;  his  reasoning 
cogent ;  his  demonstrations  conclusive,  and  his  elucidations 
of  truth  plain,  clear,  and  obvious.  But  he  has  gone  home. 
He  is  beyond  the  empire  of  sin  and  trouble.  He  has  left  a 
congregation  in  deep  sorrow  for  the  loss  of  such  a  pastor. 
He  has  left  a  disconsolate  widow  and  four  children  to 
lament  him.  The  eldest  of  these,  the  Kev.  John  N". 
McLeod,  a  highly  talented  and  godly  youth,  was  lately 
invited  by  the  congregation  and  installed  as  his  colleague 
and  successor  in  his  ministerial  charge. 

"  The  above  is  a  small  tribute  of  respect  to  a  most  excel- 
lent man,  and  highly  gifted  ambassador  of  Christ,  from  one 
whose  felicity  it  was  to  possess  and  enjoy  the  friendsliip  of 
his  youth — a  friendship  unabated  through  life — one  who 
was,  and  still  continues  to  be,  an  admirer  of  his  jjublie 
and  private  virtues.  These  could  not  be  known  and  remain 
unappreciated.  He  was  an  ardent  friend,  a  faithful  con- 
fidant, and  an  unostentatious  Christian ;  liberah  and  enlight- 
ened in  his  views  of  Cliristianity — equally  removed  from 
the  insipidity  of  latitudinarian  indifference,  and  the  bigotry 


DRS.    WTLIE  AND  ELY.  495 

of  gloomy  fanaticism.  But  he  is  gone !  Yes,  this  great 
and  good  man  is  gone  to  his  eternal  reward — the  crown  of 
glorj.  He  rests  from  his  labors,  and  his  works  shall  follow 
him.     '  He  died  to  live,  and  lives  to  die  no  more.'  " 

To  the  above,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Ely,  editor  of  the  Philadel- 
PHiAN,  bears  testimony,  with  additions. 

ADDENDA. 

The  above,  says  the  Doctor,  is  neither  adulation  nor  the 
expression  of  the  partiality  of  friendship.  Our  acquaint- 
ance with  Dr.  McLeod  commenced  in  1810.  He  was  then 
in  the  vigor  of  his  days,  the  companion  of  Mason,  Abeel, 
and  Romeyn,  inferior  to  none  of  them  in  the  strength  of  his 
intellect,  and  superior  to  them  all  in  the  science  of  the 
human  mind.  Komeyn  had  more  of  history  and  polite 
literature  than  any  one  of  them.  Abeel  excelled  in  all 
the  persuasiveness  of  a  tender  pastor  and  practical  preacher. 
Mason  was  the  most  commanding  orator,  classical  scholar, 
and  profound  expository  lecturer  on  the  Word  of  God. 

The  elocution  of  Dr.  McLeod  was  impetuous,  and  noisy  as 
a  mountain  torrent,  full  of  foam,  and  sending  off  pure  water 
into  a  thousand  pools  and  subterranean  caverns.  Abeel 
and  Eomeyn,  in  their  public  discourses,  were  like  the  Con- 
necticut and  Hudson  rivers;  Mason  was  the  overflowing 
Mississippi.  Four  such  men  have  not  lived  in  'New  York 
since  Abeel  led  the  way  to  heaven.  Neither  of  them  has 
left  his  equal  behind  him,  in  all  that  great  emporium  of  om* 
Kew  World. 

Dr.  McLeod  was  acute  and  witty,  as  well  as  ardent  in  his 
friendship,  and  devotedly  pious.  His  style  of  writing  was 
terse   and   concise ;  but  his  pages  were  always  indicative 


4&6         MEMOIE  OF  ALEXANDEE  MCLEOD,  D.D. 

of  good  sense  and  profound  research.  The  principal  works 
which  he  has  left  behind  him  are,  his  "Ecclesiastical 
Catechism ;"  "  Reformation  Principles  exhibited  by  the 
Reformed  Presbyterian  Church ;"  "  The  Life  and  Power 
of  Godliness  described  in  a  Series  of  Discourses ;"  and 
"  Scriptural  View  of  the  Character,  Causes,  and  Ends,  of 
the  Present  War,"  presented  in  a  series  of  sermons  printed 
in  1815. 

He  contributed  largely  to  the  two  last  volumes  of  the 
Christian  Magazine,  edited  by  Drs.  Mason  and  Romeyn, 
and  at  the  time  of  his  death,  was  editing  the  second  volume 
of  "  The  American  Christian  Expositor,"  a  monthly  maga- 
zine, "  designed  to  promote  the  influence  of  sound  j^i'inci- 
ples  and  social  order." 

By  these  publications,  and  the  memory  of  his  evangelical 
preaching,  and  the  influence  of  his  godly  life — he  being 
dead,  yet  speaketh — 'the  righteous  shall  be  had  in  ever- 
lasting remembrance. 

From  the  Cincinnati  Standard. 
BY  the  rev.  dr.  WILSON,  OF  THE  GENERAL  ASSEMBLY. 

"  Obituary. — The  late  ]^ew  York  j)apers  apprise  us  of  the 
death,  in  that  city,  on  Sabbath  last,  the  lYth,  of  Alexander 
McLeod,  D.D.,  pastor  of  the  Reformed  Presbyterian  Church 
there. 

'•  Dr.  McLeod  had  been  extensively  and  advantageously 
known  to  the  American  church  for  many  years,  as  a  burn- 
ing and  a  shining  light.  He  has  been  the  able  and  fearless 
defender  of  civil  and  religious  liberty  for  years  ;  a  diligent, 
eminent,  and  successful  preacher  of  the  Gospel  of  Jesus 
Chi'ist,  and  the  author  of  a  commentary  on  the  Revelations, 
and  other   publications  of  minor  and  temporary  interest. 


DR.    WILSON. 


497 


By  common  consent  and  deference,  lie  was  the  head  of  a 
denomination  which  uumhers  among  its  ministers  such  men 
as  Drs.  Black,  "Wylie,  and  McMaster. 

"  He  was  called  away  at  an  age  when  ministerial  usefulness 
is  at  its  prime ;  when  the  gathered  influence  of  years,  and 
stores  of  experience  render  the  warnings  and  teachings  of 
a  pastor  peculiarly  impressive.  He  was  called  away  at  a 
period  of  difiiculty  in  the  church  generally,  and  his  own 
section  of  the  church,  when  his  knowledge,  and  piety,  and 
fidelity,  were  most  needed. 

"  But  he  who  seeth  not  as  man  seeth,  hath  sent  the  mes- 
sage, '  Friend  go  up  higher,'  and  it  ought  not  to  he  for 
us  to  repine  or  mourn.  '  The  Lord  reigneth,  and  will  bring 
order  out  of  confusion,  and  light  from  darkness,  by  the 
power  of  his  own  right  hand.' 

"  The  righteous  shall  be  in  everlasting  remembrance." 

Such  are  a  few  of  the  obituary  notices  of  the  late 
lamented  Dr.  McLeod.  They  are  not  representations  sur- 
charged with  the  feelings  and  partialities  of  personal  attach- 
ment. They  are  merely  the  reflections  of  public  sentiment 
called  forth  spontaneously,  on  hearing  the  mournful  tidings, 
that  in  Israel,  "  there  was  a  prince,  and  a  great  man  fallen." 

After  the  Doctor's  death,  there  was  found  among  his 
papers,  a  docum.ent  expressive  of  his  last  will— a  document 
which  breathes  the  loftiest  strains  of  Christian  piety  ;  and 
in  magnificence  and  moral  grandeur  takes  precedence  of 
all  his  other  valuable  and  numerous  writings. 

ACT,   DECLARATION   AND   TESTIMONT   OF   ALEXANDER  MCLEOD. 

Found  among  the  papers  of  Dr.  McLeod  after  his 
decease. 


498         MEMOIR  OF  ALEXANDER  MCLEOD,  D.D. 

I,  Alexander  McLeod,  of  tlie  city  of  'New  York,  minister 
of  the  Gospel,  and  Doctor  of  Divinity,  do  make  and  ordain 
this  DecLzUjation  and  Testimony,  as  the  last  expression  of 
my  WILL,  in  relation  to  religion,  this  nineteenth  day  of  the 
month  of  March,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord,  one  thousand 
eight  hundred  and  thirty  two  ;  and  in  the  Jirst  place. 

Being,  by  the  mercy  of  God,  preserved  in  the  exercise  of 
a  sound  recollection  and  judgment,  though  with  indication 
of  speedy  dissolution  of  my  mortal  constitution,  I  perform 
this  Act,  viz. :  I  commend  my  soul  to  God  who  gave  it, 
now,  or  when  called  for  hj  him,  to  leave  this  body,  that  I 
may  be  accepted  in  Jesus  Christ,  on  the  footing  of  the 
Covenant  of  Grace,  which  is  all  my  salvation  and  all  my 
desire ;  and  so  read  and  appropriate,  Ps.  cxix.  57-60. 
After  this  voluntary  surrender  of  my  spirit,  and  in  connec- 
tion with  my  personal  Covenant  with  God,  in  relation  to  it, 
I  also  commit  to  him  my  body,  as  redeemed  dust,  in  hope 
of  a  resurrection  from  the  dead  to  die  no  more.  Accord- 
ingly, I  bid  farewell  to  this  world  and  all  the  good  things  it 
contains — to  my  beloved  spouse,  the  wife  of  my  youth— to 
each  of  my  remaining  offspring ;  and  I  resign  them  all  to 
God  their  Father  and  mt/  friend.  I  bid  farewell  to  the  church 
militant  and  its  delightful  ordinances,  and  all  its  sanctified, 
though  yet  imperfect  members  and  even  to  my  long  and 
best  companion,  the  Bible,  leaving  all  without  a  grudge,  in 
order  to  be  in  heaven  with  the  Lord,  which  is  far  better. 

In  the  seco?id  place,  I  declare,  in  the  sight  of  the  heart- 
searching  God ;  my  unwavering  conviction  of  the  truth  of 
the  doctrine,  which  I  preached  and  published  froni  the  press 
during  my  ministry.  I  strove  earnestly  and  prayerfully  to 
litter  nothing  that  I  did  not  know  to  be  from  God,  and  to 
publish  nothing  but  what  appeared  to  my  understanding 


DECLARATION   AND   TESTIMONY.  499 

and  my  conscience  to  be  nsefiil  both  for  tlie  illustration  and 
defence  of  the  truth  ;  and  also  for  the  good  of  the  brethren 
in  the  church,  and  in  the  world. 

I  never  quoted  or  selected  from  any  human  composition, 
or  for  any  purpose,  without  previous  examination  of  its 
truth  ;  and  never,  from  the  works  of  any  jnan,  either  living 
or  dead,  except  for  the  sake  of  promoting  sound  doctrine ; 
and  by  reference,  to  bestow  due  honor  npou  respectable 
names  to  whom  honor  is  due ;  or  with  design  to  refute 
detrimental  sentiments.  Seeing  everything  I  wrote  in  the 
course  of  my  ministry  is  entirely  my  own,  and  not  composed 
hastily,  I  give  it  now,  again,  as  a  part  of  my  declared 
religious  belief,  and  affirm  that  all  my  avowed  principles 
remain  firm  and  unaltered,  according  to  the  form  of  the 
Covenant  which  I  recently  drew  np  ;  and  which  is  now  in 
overture  before  the  three  Synods,  viz.,  of  Scotland,  Ireland 
and  the  United  States. 

In  the  tliirci  place  I  give  my  Testimony^  to  the  truth 
and  propriety  of  "  Eeformation  Principles  Exhibited,"  in 
defence  of  Christianity,  and  in  opposition  to  error — 
to  the  terms  of  "Ecclesiastical  Communion,"  in  the 
Eeformed  Presbyterian  Church,  and  to  the  "  Ecclesiastical 
Catechism,"  under  my  own  pen.  I  continue  in  my  una- 
bated attachment  to  the  cause  of  the  Covenanted  followers 
of  the  British  Eeformers,  without  ill-will  to  any  organized 
church,  or  any  individual  on  earth.  Lamenting  the  evil 
causes  which  continue  the  heresies,  the  schisms,  the  preju- 
dices, the  selfish  policy,  and  the  party  passions  and  zeal 
which  distract,  I  have  never  advised,  occasioned,  or  given 
countenance  to  the  divisions  of  the  commonwealth  of  Christ ; 
while  endeavoring  for  myself,  in  this  divided  state,  in  which 
I    found   the   church  of  God,   to  select,  and  faithfully  to 


500         MEMOIR  OF  ALEXANDER  MCLEOD,  D.D. 

adhere — without  consulting  any  temporal  interests — to  the 
communion  which  appeared  most  pure,  and  correspondent 
with  the  Scriptures. 

Finallj,  I  call  to  witness  for  the  sincerity  of  these  my  pro- 
fessions, the  rocks,  the  caverns,  and  hovels  of  Caledonia ;  the 
woodlands,  and  barns  and  hills  of  Curriesbush,  and  Duanes- 
burg — the  class-rooms  and  lodging-houses  of  Schenectady, 
the  scene  of  my  collegiate  studies,  and  all  the  delightful 
closets  of  my  youthful  prayers,  meditations  and  fastings.  I 
call  upon  the  sun,  and  the  moon,  and  the  stars  that  adorn  the 
heavens,  to  bear  witness  to  my  repeated  vows  to  God ;  and 
now.  Oh,  Father !  I  appeal  to  thee,  to  accept  of  me  in  thy 
Son  Jesus  Christ,  while  I  disclaim  all  confidence  in  any  good 
works,  or  affections,  or  experience  of  my  own,  and  rely 
exclusively  upon  the  Lord,  my  righteousness  and  strength, 
who  is  able  to  save  to  the  uttermost,  all  who  come  unto  thee 
by  Him.  I,  a  poor  miserable  sinner,  by  natui-e  a  child  of 
wrath,  shapen  in  iniquity,  conceived  in  sin,  and  deserving 
Hell,  do  now  trust  in  Him  for  salvation,  because  of  thy 
gift,  offer,  invitation,  commandment,  and  assured  promise, 
and  with  this  confident  j)ersuasion, 

I  set  down  my  name, 

Alexander  McLeod. 


Thus,  agreeably  to  Synodical  appointment,  I  have 
brouglit  to  a  period  the  required  memoir  of  this  most 
excellent  Cliristian  minister,  and  bright  and  shining  light  in 
the  church  of  God.  He  now  wears  the  crown  of  immor- 
tality, and  joins  in  the  Halleluiahs  of  the  General  Assembly, 


DEATH   OF   MRS.    MCLEOD.  501 

in   the    beatific    vision.      For   him,    "to  live  Avas    Christ, 
and  to  die  %vas  gain."     Let  us  prepare  to  follow  him. 

S.  B.  W. 

Bellevuk,  July,  2'ith,  1837. 

N.  B. — The  above  memoir  was  substantially  finished 
better  than  four  years  ago.  This  is  the  i2Gth  of  October, 
18-il.  The  obituary  notices  are  now  added.  It  was  read 
by  Doctor  Black,  while  I  was  confined  to  bed  witli  broken 
bones,  occasioned  by  a  can'iage  accident. 

This  notice  is  rendered  necessary,  as  references  both  to 
persons  and  things  are  predicated  upon  the  condition  in 
which  they  then  existed,  although  somewhat  modified  now 
by  the  lapse  of  several  years.  Some  of  the  actoi-s  in  the 
drama  of  that  period  have  now  gone  to  flieir  account,  and 
the  face  of  things  has  been  considerably  changed.  Such 
characters  are,  when  they  occur  in  the  memoir,  spoken  of 
as  those  living  and  acting.  This  remark  is  not  intended  to 
insinuate  that  the  fact  of  their  being  alive  or  dead  should 
have,  in  the  smallest  degree,  afi'ected  the  representations  of 
their  conduct  in  the  parts  they  acted  in  the  transactions 
described;  no,  truth  is  and  has  been  our  polar  star.  The 
maxim,  7iil  nisi  honinn  de  mortnis,  we  do  not  adopt :  but 
nil  nisi  vernm  de  mortuis  aut  visis  ;  and  to  this,  it  is  firmly 
believed  we  have  most  rigidly  adhered.  All  that  we  add 
is  a  brief  testimony  to  the  worth  of  that  mother  in  Israel, 
the  widow  of  Doctor  McLeod,  now  also  gone  to  her  rest. 

On  the  16th  of  April,  1841,  Mrs.  McLeod  was  removed 
from  the  reach  of  all  the  ills  to  which  sinfnl  humanity  is 
subject — from  the  house  of  her  pilgrimage  to  the  bosom  of 
her  Father  and  her  God. 

On  the  Sabbath  preceding  her  death,  she  attended  the 


502  MEMOIR   OF   ALEXANDER   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

dispensation  of  tlie  pnblic  ordinances  in  her  usual  health. 
On  that  day,  the  sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper  was  cele- 
brated in  the  congregation  of  her  son,  Eev.  J.  IST.  McLeod, 
where  she  commemorated,  with  him  and  the  other  com- 
municants, the  death  of  her  Eedeemer.  The  writer  of  this 
notice  was  present  at  the  time,  and  had  the  gratification  of 
partaking  of  the  supper  with  her  and  the  other  guests  in  the 
banqueting  house,  while  she  was  leaning  on  her  Saviour's 
breast.  It  was  her  last  participation  of  the  symbols  of  the 
body  and  blood  of  the  Saviour.  Without'  the  shadows,  she 
now  enjoys  the  reality,  along  with  Abraham,  Isaac,  and 
Jacob,  with  the  blessed  throng  of  the  redeemed,  in  the 
realms  of  eternal  day.  Having  reached  home,  after  the 
communion,  she  sank  into  exhaustion,  with  total  prostration 
of  her  whole  system,  and  on  the  Friday  following,  resigned 
her  spirit  into  the  hands  of  God,  who  gave  it. 

She  had  anticipated,  from  the  commencement  of  the 
complaint,  the  solemn  and  mournful  result,  and  was  per- 
fectly resigned  to  the  pleasure  of  her  heavenly  Father. 
With  calm  and  placid  composure  she  fell  asleep.  Yes: 
she  sleeps  in  Jesus.  Her  dust,  united  to  the  Eedeemer, 
will  slumber  in  the  grave  until  the  resurrection  morn, 
when  "  this  corruption  shall  put  on  incorruption,  and  this 
mortal  put  on  immortality,  and  death  shall  be  swallowed 
up  in  victory." 

The  niche  occupied  by  this  excellent  Christian  in  the 
circle  of  her  friends  and  acquaintances,  will  long  remain 
empty,  or  at  least  will  not  soon  be  filled  with  an  equal 
assemblage  of  domestic  virtues  and  Christian  worth.  She 
died  universally  beloved  and  universally  lamented,  in  the 
fifty-second  year  of  her  age. 


COLONIZATION.  503 


CHAPTEE    XXI. 

ADDITIONAL      BY     THE      EDITOR. 

As  tlie  labor  of  love  undertaken  by  the  editor  in  prepar- 
ing for  the  press  the  material  placed  in  his  hands  has  pro- 
gressed, he  has  become  more  and  more  satisfied,  that  any 
extended  additions  to  the  memoir  proper  would  be  entirely 
unnecessary.  Tlie  distinguished  and  venerable  author  of 
the  foregoing  pages  has  done  his  work  so  thoroughly, 
and  he  has  permitted  his  friend  to  speak  so  often,  and 
so  variously  for  himself,  that  additional  touches,  were  they 
attempted,  might  mar  rather  than  improve  the  j)ortrait. 
And  the  danger  of  this  is,  perhaps,  increased,  when  the 
pencil  is  in  the  hand  of  filial  partiality.  There  are,  how- 
ever, two  subjects  of  interest  to  which  there  are  various 
allusions  in  the  memoir,  on  which  a  few  additional  observa- 
tions may  be  proj)er.  These  are,  the  relation  of  Dr.  McLeod 
to  the  plan  of  African  Colonization,  and  his  connection  with 
those  controversies  in  the  Eeformed  Presbyterian  Church, 
which  eventuated  in  the  secession  of  1832  and  '33.  On 
the  former  of  these,  we  introduce  the  following  commu- 
nication from  the  Rev.  Hugh  McMillan,  pastor  of  the 
Eeformed  Presbyterian  Church,  Cedarville,  Ohio,  and  one 
of  the  Professors  in  the  Theological  Seminary  of  the 
Eeformed  Presbyterian  Chnrch. 


504  MEMOIR    OF   ALEXAiq^DEK   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

KEV.    mjGH    MCMILLAN   TO    EEV.    JOHN    N.    MCLEOD,    D.D. 

"  Cedakville,  March  \^th,  1855. 

"Deak  Sir: — 

"  I  readily  comply  with  your  request,  to  fur- 
nisli  you  witli  siicL.  knowledge  and  recollections  as  I  possess, 
toucliing  your  venerable  father,  and  the  subject  of  Colo- 
nization. 

"In  December,  1816, 1  was  in  the  city  of  Philadeli^hia, 
when  your  father  passed  on  to  the  city  of  Washington. 
What  was  the  particular  object  of  his  visit,  I  did  not  learn, 
save  that  it  was  to  see  President  Monroe,  and  other 
members  of  '  the  Cabinet,  on  matters  of  importance. 
Shortly  after,  the  news  of  the  day  furnished  the  public 
with  a  notice  of  the  organization  of  the  American  Coloniza- 
tion Society.  Eemoving  afterwards  to  Columbia,  South 
Carolina,  I  saw  occasionally  notices  of  the  doings  of  the 
Parent  Society,  and  the  formation  of  auxiliary  societies 
in  different  States.  Among  these  was  the  auxiliary  society 
of  New  York,  in  which  Doctor  A.  McLeod,  Doctor 
Komeyn,  and  others  held  conspicuous  places. 

"  My  attention  to  the  subject  of  Colonization  was  at  this 
time  particularly  awake.  My  native  State,  South  Carolina, 
was  bitterly  opposed  to  the  measure.  The  hand  of  slavery 
in  that,  and  in  other  States,  was  constantly  making  the 
door  of  emancipation  more  narrow  and  more  difficult  to 
open.  I,  belonging  to  a  church  which  excluded  the  slave- 
holder from  its  fellowship,  felt  a  deep  interest  in  these 
events;  at  that  time,  I  also  was  looking  forward  to 
the  work  of  tlie  ministry,  and  soon  after  was  licensed,  and 
accepted  a  call  to  labor  in  my  native  State.  Tlie  subject  of 
slavery,  which   always    pressed    heavily   on   the    church, 


EMANCIPATIOIf.  505 

appeared  to  be  becoming  more  weighty,  inasmucli  as 
emancipation  was  becoming  encumbered  with  increasing 
difficulties.  The  question  often  occurred,  'What  shall  I 
say  to  the  slaveholder?'  If  I  say,  '  emancipate,'  he 
replies,  '  it  is  impossible  ;  I  cannot  free  the  slave  here  ; 
and  I  cannot  remove  him  out  of  the  State.  And  could 
I  do  it,  I  have  my  doubts  as  to  the  propriety  of  doing  so — 
the  propriety  of  casting  an  uneducated  family  or  indivi- 
dual, upon  society  at  large  without  any  one  to  feel  for  their 
situation  !' 

"  While  I  was  somewhat  perplexed  with  these  thoughts, 
from  day  to  day,  I  was  cheered  to  see,  that  while  the 
hand  of  slavery  was  closing  the  door  of  emancipation, 
the  hand  of  Providence  was  opening  it.  The  door 
of  Colonization  was  opened;  I  felt  no  longer  at  a  loss 
in  replying  to  the  slaveholder  who  said  '  I  am  willing  to 
give  you  my  slave,  if  you  can  free  him,  and  make  him  bet- 
ter than  he  is  with  me  !'  To  the  plan  of  Colonization,  and 
to  the  noble  examples  occurring  in  those  days,  I  referred 
and  said,  '  go  and  do  likewise  !' 

"  Things  progressed  in  this  way  till  the  year  1828.  Then 
the  determination  was  formed  to  bring  the  subject  of 
Colonization  before  the  General  Synod  of  the  Eeformed 
Presbyterian  Church.  It  was  done  in  the  presentation 
of  the  following  resolutions — resolutions  drawn  up  without 
the  consultation  of  an}^  brother,  or  the  knowledge  that 
they  would  be  sustained  by  any  member  of  Synod." — 
See  Memoir,  page  359. 

"As  stated,  it  was  not  known  that  a  member  of  Synod 
would  support  these  resolutions.  Some  care  was  taken 
before  presenting  them,  to  feel  the  pulse  of  brethren. 

"  Some  were  ignorant  of  the  society — some  were  opposed 

33 


506  MEMOIK   OF   ALEXANDER   MC  LEOD,    D.D. 

to  it — some  approved  of  it,  as  far  as  they  knew  or  understood 
it.  From  what  was  seen  in  the  papers  of  the  day,  it  was 
known  that  Dr.  A.  McLeod  had  a  knowledge  of  the  subject, 
and  the  resolutions  were  read  to  him.  He  immediately 
approved  of  them,  and  promised  his  support.  Soon  it 
•Cvas  found  that  not  only  did  he  approve  of  the  Society, 
but  that  he  had  a  knowledge  of  its  history;  and  that  all 
the  difficulties  which  I  had  felt  in  maintaining  the  doc- 
trine and  discipline  of  our  church,  were  familiar  to  his 
mind ;  and  that  he  regarded  the  subject  of  Colonization 
as  intimately  connected  with  a  consistent  and  enlightened 
application  of  our  principles  in  slaveholding  States. 

"  Before  presenting  the  above  resolutions  to  Synod,  care 
was  taken  not  only  to  ascertain  the  mind  of  brethren  on 
the  subject,  but  in  a  meeting  of  the  brethren,  where  Coloni- 
zation was  the  topic  of  a  free  conA'ersation,  the  following 
question  was  proposed,  viz. :  Can  you  inform  me  who 
wrote  "  the  constitution "  of  the  American  Colonization 
Society  ?  Dr.  McLeod,  to  whom  the  question  was  put, 
after  a  short  pause,  said:  "The  question  is  too  delicate  for 
me  to  answer;  but  this  I  can  say,  it  was  penned  in  my 
study."  It  was  replied.  We  are  satisfied ;  we  wish  for 
no  more.  It  is  now  sufficient  to  say,  that  the  above 
resolutions  were  presented  at  the  afternoon  meeting  of 
Synod,  and  that  the  Doctor  gave  them  his  promised 
support.  Prior  to  his  speaking  on  them,  sundry  mem- 
bers made  diverse  kinds  of  remarks,  all  indicating  a  very 
partial  knowledge  of  the  subject.  The  Doctor  commenced 
by  stating  that  he  was  well  aware  that  his  brethren  were 
not  acquainted  with  the  subject,  and  that  was  the  reason 
why  it  had  not  been  before  them  years  ago.  But  as  the 
resolutions   were  now  before   the   Synod,  he  felt  ,himself 


OKGANIZATION.  507 

called  on  to  sustain  them,  and  to  give  the  information 
which  lie  possessed  of  the  society,  in  which  he  might 
say,  he  had  a  deep  interest. 

"  Here  I  may  say,  that  though  I  had  often  heard  your 
father  speak  on  the  floor  of  Synod  with  great  power,  I 
never  heard  him  before  or  afterwards,  speak  with  such 
eloquence  and  power  as  he  did  on  that  occasion.  While 
speaking  of  the  history  of  the  society,  he  said  it  might 
be  referred  to  his  sermon  on  Neyro  Slavcmj,  in  the  year 
1802,  That  sermon,  though  an  effort  of  youth,  soon  went 
abroad.  A  copy  found  its  way  into  the  Ancient  Dominion. 
Thomas  Jefferson  voluntarily  opened  up  a  correspondence 
with  him,  a  stranger,  on  the  subject  of  slavery,  and  the 
emancipation  of  slaves,  which  correspondence  never  closed 
till  the  formation  of  the  American  Colonization  Society, 
in  1816. 

"  A  few  further  facts  or  recollections,  you  will  indulge 
me  in  giving.  As  time  drew  on,  he  said,  a  determina- 
tion was  entered  into  of  forming  a  colonization  society. 
"Washington  was  determined  on  as  the  proper  place.  Tlie 
constitution  of  the  society  was  drawn  up ;  Dr.  Finley  was 
selected  as  the  man  to  carry  it  to  "Washington,  and  to  make 
the  necessary  arrangements.  Letters  of  introduction  were 
given  to  him  to  President  Monroe,  and  othei-s.  At  the 
appointed  time,  the  friends  of  the  cause  met  to  form 
the  society.  The  friendship  of  President  Monroe,  of  the 
ex-presidents  Jefferson  and  Madison,  and  of  other  persons, 
was  enlisted  in  the  matter.  But,  the  difficulty  was  to  get 
a  meeting,  and  to  get  some  one  of  influence  to  address 
it.  Uenry  Clay  was  then  Speaker  of  the  House.  He  was 
selected  as  the  man.  But  would  he  do  it?  He  was 
addressed.     He   declined.     A  second   attempt  was  made. 


608  LDEMOIR   OF   ALEXANDER   MC  LEOD,    D.D . 

He  final] J  consented.  The  meeting  was  called ;  Henry 
Clay  addressed  it ;  and  tlie  American  Colonization  Society 
was  formed  in  Washington,  with  a  design  to  show  that 
it  was  an  organization  neither  of  the  North,  nor  of  the 
South,  Init  of  the  whole  American  Union.  Many  other 
things,  did  time  or  room  admit,  I  could  state,  which  your 
father  said  on  that  and  other  occasions,  but  it  is  not  neces- 
sary. Further,  in  corroboration  of  the  fact,  that  your 
father  is  entitled  to  the  paternity  of  the  Society,  I  would 
refer  you  to  what  Dr.  Kowan  has  said  in  his  funeral 
sermon. 

"  In  that  sermon.  Dr.  !R.  states  :  '  The  plan  of  the  society, 
we  believe,  originated  with  himself.  It  was  handed  to  the 
late  venerable  Dr.  Finley  by  Dr.  McLeod,  in  his  study  ; 
approved  by  Dr.  F.,  and  taken  on  to  "Washington,  where 
Dr.  McLeod  followed  it,  and  made  an  eloquent  address  in 
support  of  its  principles.' 

"  Somewhat  in  corroboration  of  the  above,  I  state  you  a 
fact,  which  I  heard  from  the  late  venerable  Dr.  Alexander, 
of  Princeton,  and  historian  of  African  Colonization.  Once 
in  Philadelphia,  in  Dr.  Bethune's  Church,  the  year  I  do  not 
remember,  I  heard  the  Dr.  deliver  an  address  on  Coloniza- 
tion. It  was  one  of  his  happiest  addresses  as  to  time,  place, 
and  subject.  He  said,  that  he  had  made  the  first  address,  he 
believed,  that  ever  was  made  on  Colonization.  He  did  it  at 
the  solicitation  of  Dr.  Finley,  though  he  then  feared  the 
whole  measure  would  prove  to  be  visionary.  Yet,  as  he 
made  it  a  rule  never  to  discourage  a  man  in  a  good  cause, 
he  had  the  meeting  called  in  Princeton,  and  himself 
addressed  it.  Thus  I  have  given  you  the  outlines  of  what  I 
know  touching  your  father  and  Colonization.  In  my  own 
mind,  since  I  proposed  to  him  the  above  question,  as  to  who 


SPEECH   IN    SYNOD.  609 

wrote  the  Constitution  of  the  Society,  and  heard  his  answer, 
and  also  his  historical  statement  as  to  the  getting  np  of  the 
Society  at  Washington,  I  have  never  entertained  any  doubt 
that  the  paternity  of  the  Colonization  plan  is  due  to  hhn. 
These  facts  I  have  often  stated  in  conversation  with  sundry 
gentlemen,  such  as  Kev.  E.  E.  Gurley,  E.  Cresson,  Eev.  J. 
B.  Finney,  and  others,  all  of  whom  requested  me  to  commu- 
nicate them  to  writing.  It  is  now  done  for  the  first  time, 
and  you  are  at  liberty  to  make  such  use  of  the  communica- 
tion as  you  think  proper. 

"  Yours  truly, 

"11.  McMillan." 

In  this  communication  the  facts  of  the  case  are  exhibited 
with  such  pertinency  as  to  carry  with  them  their  own 
evidence.  We  have  received  similar  statements  from  others 
who  were  present  at  the  same  time,  and  whose  recollections 
correspond  with  the  above.  We  were  also  present  in  Synod, 
and  listened  with  deep  interest  to  the  narrative  and  speech, 
and  have  frequently  referred  to  it  in  conversation  with  Dr. 
McLeod.  He  then  explicitly  stated  that  the  plan  of  the 
present  Society  originated  in  the  Eeformed  Presbyterian 
Church,  and  with  himself.  And  it  has  been  repeatedly 
claimed  for  him  by  various  persons  of  high  respectability 
and  adequate  information,  in  public  addresses,  and  in  several 
printed  documents,  both  in  this  country  and  in  Europe. 
Having  once  expressed  to  him  the  desire  that  he  would 
make  some  publication  on  the  subject,  his  answer  was : 
^'  The  facts  are  known,  others  may  publish  them,  if  they 
please,  I  am  not  ambitious  of  the  honor ;  the  work  is  going 
on,  God  is  blessing  it,  and  I  rejoice.  It  is  little  matter 
about  the  instruments  whom  he  employed  to  set  the  wheel 
in  motion." 


610         MEMOIR  OF  ALEXANDER  MCLEOD,  D.D. 

In  the  statements  made  by  Dr.  "Wylie  on  tlie  359tli  page  of 
the  Life,  we  cordially  concur.  Colonization  is  no  longer  an 
experiment.  Liberia  has  taken  her  place  among  the  nations 
of  the  earth.  Recovered  from  the  degradation  of  his 
bondage,  the  colored  man  is  showing  himself  equal  to  all 
the  exigencies  of  self-government,  and  is  anticipating  in  the 
land  of  his  fathers,  the  coming  of  the  day  when  every  yoke 
of  oppression  shall  be  broken,  and  men  of  every  nation  shall 
be  brought  to  the  enjoyment  of  the  freedom  which  the 
Gospel  promises,  and  will  produce.  The  idea  of  coloniza- 
tion in  Africa,  would  seem  to  have  found  its  way  simulta- 
neously into  the  minds  of  several  distinguished  patriots 
and  Christian  men.  Jefferson,  Mills,  Finley,  and  the  subject 
of  this  Memoir,  were  exercised  upon  it  about  the  same 
period.  They  all  had  their  agency  in  its  development. 
It  is  itself  from  God,  and  to  him  be  the  glory. 

In  regard  to  the  unhappy  division  which  took  place  in  the 
Reformed  Presbyterian  Church  more  than  twenty  years 
ago,  perhaps  enough  has  been  said  in  the  Memoir  to  indicate 
Dr.  McLeod's  connection  with  it.  He  saw  its  approach. 
He  sought  to  prevent  it.  He  understood  the  real  causes  of 
it,  and  he  had  no  sympathy  with  the  principles,  the  mea- 
sures, or  the  men  producing  it.  Its  causes  were  of  a  three- 
fold character.  And  these  were,  first,  a  difference  of 
opinion  respecting  the  relations  of  Reformed  Presbyterians 
to  other  Christian  denominations,  and  the  character  and 
amount  of  the  co-operation  they  might  have  together. 
Some  believed  that  the  church  should  stand  aloof  from  all 
others,  and  decline  co-operation  with  them — as  inconsistent 
with  their  own  peculiar  Testimony.  This  sentiment  was 
regarded  by  Dr.  McLcod  as  mistaken  in  itself,  and  injurious 
in  the  practice  to  which  it  led.     He  viewed  it  as  anti-social. 


CO-OPERATION   WITH   ALL.  511 

however  conscientiously  it  might  be  held.  And  his  own 
practice  was  always  against  it.  This  the  whole  tenor  of  his 
life  demonstrates.  lie  had  intercourse  with  Christians  of 
of  every  name,  lie  rejoiced  in  their  fellowship,  so  far  as  he 
found  them  holding  the  truth.  lie  co-operated  with  them 
in  doing  good  on  the  basis  of  the  common  Christianity.  He 
aided  in  founding,  and  managing  the  various  associations 
established  in  the  city  and  country  in  which  he  resided,  for 
the  good  of  man.  And  he  did  all  this  not  merely  from 
personal  preference,  and  the  instincts  of  his  Christianity,  but 
on  public  grounds  as  a  Keformed  Presbyterian  Covenanter. 
His  motto  here  was,  co-operation  with  all  for  good  objects, 
where  the  terms  of  such  co-operation  involve  the  recognition 
of  no  immorality.  These  principles  of  action  were  fully 
developed  in  the  Plan  of  Correspondence  with  the  General 
Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  of  which  he  was 
mainly  the  author.  And  they  are  defined  in  the  address 
which  he  delivered  to  Synod  in  its  favor.  On  this  ground, 
all  the  original  founders  of  the  church  stood  with  Dr. 
McLeod.  The  church  herself  generally  acted  upon  it.  The 
opposition  which  was  made  to  it,  and  the  mistaken  spirit  by 
which  that  was  produced,  was  one  of  the  chief  causes  of  the 
secession  which  ultimately  took  place. 

A  second  separating  cause  was  a  difference  of  sentiment 
in  regard  to  the  relation  the  church  should  sustain  to  the 
government  of  the  country.  That  Dr.  McLeod  ever  enter- 
tained the  extreme  opinions  held  by  some  of  his  brethren 
respecting  the  government  of  the  United  States,  and  which 
led  them  to  assume  the  attitude  of  dissent  from  it  as  a 
whole,  wo  have  no  evidence.  The  severest  things  which 
he  has  said  against  it,  are  in  his  Sermons  on  the  "War ;  and 
when  we  contrast  these  with  the  measured  and  deliberate 


512  MEMOIR   OF   ALEXANDER   MC  LEOD,    D.D. 

statements  of  the  oath  of  allegiance  which  he  penned,  the 
testimony  is  against  defects  and  omissions  in  a  system  in 
itself  good,  rather  than  in  condemnation  of  the  whole  as 
essentially  vicious.  We  have  heard  from  himself,  that  abont 
the  close  of  the  war  he  presented  the  oath  of  allegiance  to 
the  then  Attorney-General  of  the  United  States  for  his 
opinion.  That  officer  assured  him  that  it  was  stronger  than 
the  oath  of  naturalization  itself;  and  added  emphatically, 
"  Certainly  if  you  can  give  the  former,  you  can  give  the 
latter.  Your  oath  oifers  the  government  more  than  it  asks." 
Light  was  cast  upon  the  whole  subject  by  the  discussions 
which  occurred  during  and  after  the  War  of  1812  ;  and  we 
know  that  Dr.  McLeod  thought  more  favorably  of  the 
government  of  the  country  after  that  time,  than  he  had 
done  at  an  earlier  period. 

Often  have  we  heard  him  expose  and  reprove  the  evils 
abounding  in  the  country ;  but  never  denouncing  the  Con- 
stitution or  Government  of  the  country  as  a  w^iole,  and 
without  discrimination. 

For  the  last  ten  years  of  his  life,  and  long  before  any 
division  was  threatened.  Dr.  McLeod's  principle  and  prac- 
tice was  to  make  no  term  of  comimmion  of  the  questions  of 
recognition  or  non-recognition  of  the  Constitution  of  the 
United  States.  If  any  preferred  to  stand  aloof  from  it,  they 
were  not  interfered  with  by  the  church.  If  others  con- 
sidered they  could  share  in  its  offices  and  privileges,  they 
were  not  to  be  forbidden  until  some  evident  immorality  was 
practiced  or  required.  That  such  was  the  case,  the  three 
following  facts  make  apparent.  The  first  is,  that  from  about 
the  year  1824  to  1827  or  '28,  a  gentleman  w^ho,  still  a  resi- 
dent of  ISTew  York,  held  and  discharged  the  duties  of  a 
magistrate  under  the  usual  oath  of  office,  while  a  member 


NO    TERM   OF   COMIMUNION.  513 

of  Dr.  McLeod's  congregation.  There  were  some  to  demur 
to  this ;  but  the  Session  of  the  church  refused  to  take  any 
action  in  the  matter.  And  when  Dr.  McLeod  was  spoken 
to  respecting  it,  the  amount  of  his  reply  was,  "  Let  him  not 
be  disturbed.  I  hope  the  time  will  soon  come  when  all 
Reformed  Presbyterians  will  think  alike  on  this  subject." 

The  second  fact  which  we  mention  is  as  follows.  At  the 
meeting  of  General  Synod  in  Philadelphia,  August,  1831,  a 
memorial  on  the  subject  of  civil  relations  came  up  from  indi- 
viduals in  Coldenham,  ISTew  York.  It  was  referred  to  a 
committee  composed  of  Drs.  McLeod,  "VVylie,  McMaster, 
and  Black,  to  report  upon  it.  On  the  morning  of  August 
12th,  Dr.  McLeod,  who  was  then  in  the  house  of  Pev.  Dr. 
Crawford,  prepared  a  report  which  he  proposed  to  submit  to 
Synod.  It  was  short,  and  concluded  by  a  single  resolution, 
to  the  effect  that  the  agitating  questions  on  civil  relations, 
including  the  recognition  or  non-recognition  of  the  Consti- 
tution of  the  United  States,  should  not  be  made  terms  of 
communion,  in  the  Peformed  Presbyterian  Church.  The 
report  re-affirmed  the  former  enactment,  "  that  no  commu- 
nion should  be  held  Avith  immorality,"  and  left  it  to  the 
local  judicatories  to  determine,  when  and  where  the  immo- 
rality existed.  To  this  all  the  other  members  of  the  com- 
mittee agreed,  but  Dr.  Wylie  urged  a  postponement  of  the 
declaration  until  next  meeting  of  Synod,  when,  as  he 
declared,  all  Avould  be  better  prepared  for  it,  and  he  pro- 
posed the  resolution  authorizing  the  free  discussions  on  the 
subject,  which  was  ultimately  adopted.  Dr.  McLeod  was 
averse  to  the  postponement.  "Pass  it  now,"  was  his  lan- 
guage in  regard  to  the  resolution  of  the  rei)ort.  "  You  are 
better  prepared  for  it  now  than  you  will  be  a  year,  or  two 
years  hence.     You  may  never  all  meet  together  in  Synod 


514  MEMOm    OF   ALEXANDER   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

again.  I,  liowcver,  will  not  be  there."  Dr.  Wylie,  with  his 
characteristic  ardor,  pressed  his  proposition.  lie  brought  it 
into  Synod.  It  Avas  not  opposed  by  the  other  brethren  of  the 
committee,  and  the  resolution  for  free  discussions  was  adopted. 
The  report,  which  was  subsequently  destroyed  by  Dr.  McLeod 
himself,  we  saw  and  heard.  It  was  the  subject  of  con- 
versation with  the  other  brethren  of  the  committee,  by  all  of 
whom  it  was  approved.  It  put  the  whole  matter  on  the 
ground  on  which  we  understand  the  Reformed  Presbyterian 
Church  as  now  standing.  Dr.  McLeod  understood  himself 
perfectly  in  this  whole  matter.  He  had  been  averse  to  agi- 
tation on  this  subject,  and  prevented  it  for  years  as  far  as  his 
influence  extended,  but  he  saw  the  time  was  come  to  take 
the  only  course  that  could  prevent  a  rupture.  He  was  j)re- 
23ared  to  act  with  decision.  Ho,  however,  yielded  to  the 
postponement,  and  before  another  Synodical  meeting,  he  had 
gone  to  the  Assembly  above,  where  no  social  agitations  can 
disturb.  AYe  record  a  third  fact  in  the  premises.  About 
the  close  of  October,  or  beginning  of  J^ovember,  1832,  and 
immediately  after  the  return  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Black  from 
Europe,  Dr.  McLeod  and  he  proceeded  together  to  Philadel- 
phia, and  joined  in  the  communion  of  the  Lord's  Supper  with 
Dr.  Wylio  and  his  people.  Immediately  prior  to  this,  the 
movement  for  calling  the  extra  meeting  of  the  Eastern  Synod 
was  preparing.  It  was  known  that  Dr.  "Wylie  had  some 
time  before,  become  a  citizen  of  the  United  States,  and  had 
recently  exercised  the  right  of  suffrage,  and  this,  together 
with  the  publication  of  the  original  draft  of  the  Pastoral 
Address,  was  attempted  to  be  used  in  producing  increased 
agitation.  Dr.  McLeod  was  heard  by  us  to  say  to  Dr.  Black, 
"  We  must  go  on  to  Philadelphia,  and  sustain  Dr.  "Wylie 
for  the  sake  of  the  church."    They  did  proceed  to  Philadel- 


LAST   SACRAMENT.  515 

pliia  togetlier.  On  the  Lord's  Day,  these  three  men  of 
might,  who  had  labored  together  for  more  than  thirty  years 
in  tlie  promotion  of  the  Reformed  Presbyterian  cause,  and 
who  loved  it  as  intensely  now,  as  they  did  when  they  first 
communed  togetlier  in  the  body  and  blood  of  Christ,  at  the 
first  Sacrament  in  New  York,  sat  down  at  the  communion 
table  together,  and  commemorated  the  Saviour's  death. 
They  thought  not  whether  the  one  or  the  other  had  been 
now  or  again,  in  communion  Avith  the  Government  of  the 
country  in  civil  aftairs.  Tliey  thought  of  higher  things.  lie 
who  now  records  the  fact  officiated  at  the  table  service,  and 
put  into  their  hands  the  eucharistic  bread  and  cup.  And 
while  he  trembled  with  emotion,  he  saw  it  was  evident  that 
they  would  never  be  again  together  at  a  communion  table 
on  earth.  Thus  a  practical  exhibition  was  made  of  the  fact 
by  Dr.  McLeod,  that  he  made  no  term  of  communion  of  the 
governmental  question.  In  a  little  more  than  three  months 
after  this,  he  had  departed  to  his  rest.  He  had,  however^ 
before  this,  given  his  open  testimony  of  disapproval  to  the 
divisive  movements  of  the  illegal  assembly  of  November, 
1832,  and  left  the  responsibilities  of  the  separation  on  the 
men  who  formed  it.  There  it  must  rest,  for  there  it  belongs. 
We  have  spoken  of  three  causes  of  the  division  of  the 
church ;  we  now  mention  the  third.  It  is  unsanctified 
human  passion.  And  how  much  has  this  had  to  do  with  all 
the  ecclesiastical  strife  and  division  that  has  disturbed  the 
church  of  God !  We  believe  that  this  did  more,  vastly  more, 
to  produce  the  secession  from  the  Reformed  Presbyterian 
Church,  than  all  the  questions  of  religious  principle  which 
were  involved  in  the  controversy.  It  was  full  of  perso- 
nalities. By  these  Dr.  McLeod  was  deeply  affected.  By 
them  he  suffered.     But  in  them  he  never  engaged.     lie  was 


516  MEMOIR   OF   ALEXANDER   MCLEOD,    D.D, 

absent  in  Europe  endeavoring  to  promote  the  canse  of  God 
hj  bringing  before  tlie  church  measures  of  high  public 
interest,  which  he  hoped  would  be  successful  in  preventing 
division,  when  the  controversy  was  coming  to  its  crisis.  He 
could  not  come  down  to  personalities.  He  never  did.  But 
the  secret  history  of  the  division  is  not  yet  exhibited.  "Let 
it  sleep  for  another  generation,  says  the  venerable  author  of 
the  Memoir."  "We  shall  not  disturb  its  present  rest.  Where 
the  Reformed  Presbyterian  Church  now  stands  by  her  own 
judicative  acts,  there  stood  the  subject  of  this  Memoir.  He 
occupied  the  same  platform  with  Wylie,  Black,  and 
McMaster,  and  upon  it  they  all  continued  to  stand  until 
they  were  called  away  to  their  reward. 


The  remains  of  Dr.  McLeod  were  interred,  at  first,  in  the 
burial  ground  in  l^ew  York,  belonging  to  the  First 
Reformed  Presbyterian  Church,  and  over  them  a  suitable 
monument  was  erected  by  the  congregation.  In  the 
progress  of  city  extension  and  improvement,  this  place  of 
sepulture  became  unfit  for  the  purpose,  and  the  authorities 
of  the  congregation  purchased  a  large  plot  of  ground  in 
Greenwood  Cemetery,  on  Long  Island.  To  this  the  remains 
of  Dr.  McLeod  and  his  family  were  removed  in  1853.  Here 
they  now  repose  in  the  centre  of  a  beautiful  sj)ot  called 
"  Ilill  Girt  Lawn,"  and  over  them  the  hands  of  Christian 
kindness  and  respect  have  erected  a  new  and  most  aj^j^ro- 
priate  monument.  That  this  was  done  more  than  twenty 
years  after  his  death,  and  when  memory  might  have  been 
excused  had  it  experienced  some  failure,  is  most  creditable 
to  the  heads  and  hearts  of  those  by  whom  it  was  effected. 


PLACE   OF   BURIAL.  617 

Tliey  had  been,  with  few  exceptions,  the  attached  friends  of 
his  person,  while  in  life,  and  they  all  loved  and  hoi  ed  his 
memory. 

TABLET . 

Upon  the  wall  of  the  place  of  worship  in  Twelfth  street, 
on  the  right  of  the  pulpit,  is  a  beautiful  Tablet  of  white 
marble  on  a  black  ground,  which  bears  the  following 
inscription  : — 

IN  MEMORY  OP 

ALEXANDER     McLEOD,    D  .    r> . 

Fhst  Pastor  of  the  Reformed  Presbyterian 

Church,  JVew  York. 

BoRN,JuxE    12tii,1774. 

Mit'ii,  JtbruarB    IZtfe,    1833. 

Distinguished  for  talents  of  tlie  highest  order. 

Thorough  mental  cultivation,  a  profound 

Acquaintance  with  the  Christian  system, 

And  an  earnest  commanding  eloquence, 

He  devoted  all  to  the  glory  of  God,  the 

Extension  of  the  church,  and  the  welfare 

Of  mankind. 

The  humble,  consistent  Christian,  the  dignified 

Minister  of  Christ,  the  fearless  advocate  of 

Human  rights,  and  the  lucid  expositor  of  Divine 

Truth,  he  lived  a  life  of  eminent  usefulness, 
And  finished  his  course  with  joy,  in  the  34^h  year  ^ 


Of  his  ministry.    He  has  left  his  impress  on  the  age 
In  which  he  lived. 


A  grateful  people  inscribe  this  tablet  to'^the 

Memory  of  his  private  virtues, 

His  pastoral  labors,  and 

His  high  public 

Character. 


■^rvi^ 


518  MEMOIR   OF   ALEXANDER   MCLEOD,    D.D. 


DESCRIPTION   OF   THE   MONUMENT. 

The  structure  over  tlie  tomb  in  Greenwood  Cemetery  is  a 
monumental  obelisk  of  white  Italian  marble,  and  stands 
fifteen  feet  six  inches  high  above  the  grade  of  the  surface. 
Its  parts  are  a  granite  base,  four  feet  six  inches  square,  by 
one  foot  four  inches  in  thickness.  On  this  rests  a  moulded 
marble  base,  three  feet  eight  inches  square,  by  one  foot 
thick.  This  is  surmounted  by  the  die,  three  feet  four  inches 
high,  by  two  feet  eight  inches  square,  and  from  this  rises 
the  obelisk,  which  is  nine  feet  four  inches  high,  by  two  feet 
one  inch  square  at  the  bottom,  and  one  foot  two  on  the  top. 
The  entire  inscription  is  on  the  die,  whose  four  fronts  it 
covers.     It  is  as  follows  : — 

[O/j  the  front."] 
THIS      MARBLE 

DENOTES    THE    GRAVE    OF 

A  r^  E  X  A  N  D  E  R      M  c  L  E  O  D  , 

DOCTOR     IN     DIVINITY, 

And,  for  thirty  years, 

Pastor  op  the  Reformed 

PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCH,  NEW  YORK. 

Born  in  the  Isle  of  Mull,  Scotland,  June  12,  177.4. 

iDitir  in  Ntbo  gorii,  Jckuars  171^, 

18  3  3. 

This  is  not  his  only   Monument. 

HOLD     FAST. 


[On  the  Reverse."] 
ALEXANDER      McLEOD, 

AN  ELOQUEXT  MAN — AN  AUTHOR  MIGHTY 

la  the  Scriptures,  his  motto  was  : 

"  God  forbid  that   I  should  glory,   save 

In  THE  Cross  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ." 

Erected  by  a   grateful   people 

To  the  memory  of  a  beloved  and  venerated  pastor. 


TEIBTJTES   OF  AFFECTION.  519 


[0)1  Side  Second."] 
Here,  also, 

REST    THE     REMAIN'S    OP 

MARIA    ANN      McLEOD, 

•  RELICT    OP    DR.    McLEOD, 

A   mother  in  Israel,  full  of  faith 

And    good    works.      For    eight    years, 

She  continued   a  widow  indeed ; 

And  then  followed  her  husband 

To     the     place    of    rest. 

Mtts  apnl  lOtl),  ISll, 

IN    THE    FIFTY-SECOXD    TEAR 

OF   HER   AGE. 

"  Precious  in  the  sight  of  tlie  Lord 

Is  the  death  of  Ilis  saints." 

On  the  fourth  side  are  tlie  names  of  tlie  seven  children 
of  Doctor  McLeod,  all  of  whom  died  in  early  life,  and 
preceded  their  parents  to  the  place  of  rest. 

These  tributes  of  affection  and  respect  towards  Doctor 
McLeod,  were  procured  by  the  unanimous  vote  of  the  con- 
gi-egation  whose  first  pastor  he  was,  and  carried  into  effect 
by  the  authorities  of  the  church,  whose  names  are  here 
added,  as  a  grateful  testimonial  to  their  iDei-sonal  worth  and 
public  usefulness. 

The  Session,  in  1853. — William  Agnew,  Thomas  Gum- 
ming, James  IST.  Gifford,  John  Parr,  Moses  Speers. 

John  K.  McLeod,  Moderator. 
James  N".  Gifford,  Clerh. 

Trustees,  saz^ie  Year. — James  Pollock,  Cornelius  Ao-new 
James   Stewart,   John   T.   Agnew,    John    Pollock,   David 


620         MEMOIE  OF  ALEXANDER  MCLEOD,  D.D. 

Morrison,  John  H.  Brown,  James  P.  Cummingj  David  C. 
Wilson. 

James  Pollock,  President. 

John  T.  Agnew.  Secfretary. 


EEVIYED    MEMORIES. 

FEOM  THE  EEV.  GAEDINEE  SPRING,  D.D.,  PASTOR  OF  THE  BRICK 
PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCH,  NEW  YORK. 

"  Brick  Cuuech  Chapel,  March  30,  1855. 

"  To  THE  Pev.  John  IsT.  Mc  Leod. 

"  Ify  Dear  Brother : — ^I  sliould  deem  tlie  ser- 
vice whicli  you  have  requested  of  me  a  pleasant  one — a 
tribute  due  to  your  venerable  father's  memory — if  I  were 
better  able  to  perform  it.  Dr.  Wylie,  I  have  no  doubt, 
has  done  justice  to  your  father's  intellectual  and  Christian 
character.  My  chief  acquaintance  with  him  was  formed 
in  a  weekly  association  of  ministers,  for  the  purpose  of 
mutual  improvement.  The  leading  minds  in  that"  circle 
were  those  of  your  fathers,  the  late  Dr.  Mason,  and  Dr. 
Miller.  The  discussions  and  the  dissertations,  as  well  as 
the  discourses  there  exhibited,  were  to  me  most  profitable 
exercises.  Your  father  possessed  the  most  philosophical 
and  discriminating  mind  in  the  association.  He  was  a 
good  critic,  a  shrewd  and  earnest  debater,  a  scholar  of 
high  attainments,  a  man  of  gentlemanly  bearing,  and  a 
theologian  of  whom,  even  his  mother  church  and  country 
need  not  be  ashamed.  I  never  heard  him  preach  but 
once ;  the  characteristics  of  that  entire  service  were  rich 
thought  and  great  earnestness. 

"  You  desire  me  to  speak  of  his  Catholic  character  and 


DR.   SPRmG.  521 

views.  If  yon  will  forgive  me  for  saying  it,  I  shonld  con- 
clnde  tliat  his  early  prejudices  in  favor  of  his  own  denomi- 
nation were  strong ;  yet,  to  my  own  mind,  it  was  obvious 
that  they  were  gradually  w^earing  away.  I  regarded  him  as 
a  lover  of  God's  truth,  God's  ministers,  and  God's  people,  of 
every  name.  The  Bible  Society,  the  Society  for  the  Con- 
version of  the  Jews,  and  the  various  benevolent  institutions 
of  a  character  not  so  professedly  religious,  had  in  him  a 
warm  friend  and  advocate.  Though  a  Scotsman  by  birth, 
he  was  most  thoroughly  American  and  Kepublican  in  his 
feelings ;  and,  though  himself  of  "  the  straitest  sect "  of 
Presbyterians,  he  was  the  intelligent  advocate  of  religious 
liberty  and  the  rights  of  conscience,  npon  the  broadest 
basis. 

"  I  sympathize  with  yon,  my  dear  brother,  in  those  filial 
emotions  which  have  led  you  to  honor  yom*  father's  name 
and  virtues,  and  remain  affectionately 

"  Your  friend  and  brother, 

"  Gajrdiner  Spring." 


FROM   THE   REV.    ROBERT    STEEL,  D.D.,   PASTOR   OF   THE   PRESBY- 
TERIAN   CnURCII,    ABINGTON,    PENNSYLVANIA- 

"  Abington-,    lijth   Sept.,  1854. 

"Kev.  and  Deak  Sir: — ■ 

"  You  ask  me  to  state  anything  of  inte- 
rest Avhich  I  may  remember  respecting  your  father,  the  late 
Alexander  McLeod,  D.D. 

"  It  was  my  happiness  to  have  formed  the  acquaintance 
of  your  venerable  father,  in  the  fall  of  1814,  when  I  went 

34 


522         MEMOIR  OF  ALEXANDER  MCLEOD,  D.D. 

to  'New  York,  to   enter  tlie    Theological  Seminary,  then 
imder  the   care  of  Doctor  Mason.     I  attached  myself  to 
the  church  in  Cedar  street,  under  the  pastoral  care  of  Dr. 
J.  B.  Romeyu.     The  Doctor  was  then  absent  in  Europe,  on 
account  of  ill  health,   and  I  found  that  Doctor  McLeod 
filled  his  pulpit,  part  of  every  Lord's  day,  at  the  request  of 
the  people.     Tliis  fact  showed  the  high  esteem  in  which 
the  pulpit  exercises  of  your  father  were  held  by  persons 
of  another  denomination.      When  Dr.  R.  returned  home, 
I  soon   found    that   a    strong   friendship   existed  between 
these  brethren,  which  lasted   during  life,  and  which  was 
cherished  by  weekly,  if  not  by  daily  intercourse.     I  was 
permitted  frequently   to  join   their  circle,   and  look  back 
with  pleasure  to  the  happy  hours  I  spent  in  their  society- 
Dr.    Mason,   Dr.    McLeod,   Dr.   Romeyn,   Dr.  Milledoller, 
and  some   others,  formed   a  band   of    brethren  who  were 
of  one  heart,  and  who  often  took  sweet  counsel  together ; 
and  now,  though  thirty    years    have   elapsed,   I   can  see 
the   cheerful  face,   and    hear  the  solemn  voice   of   your 
father,  whose   conversation  was    such  as  to    instruct  and 
please.     His  personal  appearance  was  peculiar — short,  but 
very  stout;  his  power  of   endurance  was  very  great;   he 
usually  preached  three  times  on  the  Sabbath,  and  always 
with  great  energy.     At  first,  his  elocution  was   slow  and 
distinct,  but  as  he  advanced  it  became   more   rapid,  until, 
like  a  mighty  torrent,  it  swept  away  all  opposition.     Then 
you  could  see  that  the   ambassador  w^as  in  earnest.     His 
whole  frame   became   agitated,  and  body,  soul,  and  spirit, 
were  all  on  fire. 

"  Doctor  McLeod  was  a  close  student,  and  the  pulpit 
exercises  were  to  him  for  relaxation.  I  need  not  speak  of 
his  sermons ;  those  who  have  read  the  discourses  on  '  True 


DE.    STEEL.  523 

Godliness,'  have  a  specimen  that  will  give  a  correct  idea 
of  his  power  in  the  pulpit,  lie  was  a  man  of  catholic 
spirit,  but  not  in  such  a  sense  as  to  compromise  the  truth. 
I  remember  distinctly  attending  a  meeting  of  one  of  the 
benevolent  societies  in  which  he  was  engaged  to  make  an 
address.  A  lawyer  made  a  speech  in  which  he  advanced 
sentiments  in  opposition  to  some  fundamental  doctrines  of 
the  Christian  system.  Doctor  McLeod  refused  to  speak; 
he  said  he  could  not  do  an  act  that  would  look  like  fellow- 
ship with  error ;  and  his  course  was  a  severe  re2)roof  to  all 
concerned  in  procuring  such  a  speaker ! 

"  During  the  "War  with  Great  Britain  in  1812-15,  it  was 
common  with  some  ministers  to  laud  the  enemy,  and  speak 
slightingly  of  their  own  country ! — I  remember,  on  one  occa- 
sion, seeing  a  British  officer  present  in  one  of  the  churches  of 
ISTew  York,  on  a  day  appointed  for  fasting,  humiliation,  and 
prayer,  on  account  of  the  war.    The  pastor  delivered  a  glow- 
ing eulogy  on  Great  Britain.     The  officer  was  asked  what 
he  thought  of  the  preacher ;  he  replied,  '  I  am  willing  to 
fight  for  my  country,  but  I  could  not  say  for  her  what  the 
preacher  said !'      Doctor  McLeod  had  no  sympathy  with 
such  sentiments ;  he  was  a  true  republican,  and  ou  every 
fitting  occasion,  in  public  and  in  private,  proclaimed  his 
sentiments,    and    drew    forth    the    praises    of   every  true 
patriot.     Tlie  old  church  in  Chamber  street  was  generally 
crowded  on   the   evening   of  every  Sabbath,  to   hear  his 
expositions  of  Divine  Truth — many  of  other  denominations 
attended,  and,  as  far  as  I  remember,  all  with  whom  I  had 
intercourse,  expressed    their    high    gratification    with    his 
evening  lectures. 

"  But  I  must  close  what  at  first  was  intended  only  as 
a  short  note.    I  could  fill  many  pages  with  reminiscences 


624         MEMOIR  OF  ALEXANDER  MCLEOD,  D.D. 

of  liim  wliom  I  was  permitted  to  call  my  friend.  He  took 
me  by  the  hand,  when  a  stranger  in  a  strange  city — gave 
me  connsel,  directed  me  in  the  pnrchase  of  books,  and  by 
his  condescension  and  kindness,  made  an  impression  on  my 
heart,  never  to  be  forgotten. 

"  Yom-s,  dear  brother,  in  the  best  of  bonds, 

"Robert  Steel. 
,"Dk.  J.  ]Sr.  McLeod." 


FROM     THE     REV.     JOHN     KNOX,     D.D.,    SENIOR     PASTOR    OF    THE 
collegiate   reformed    PROTESTANT    DUTCH   CHURCH,    N.  T. 

"  Rev.  John  E".  jVIcLeod. 

"  llev.  and  Dear  Sir  : — I  am  gratified  in  the 
prospect  of  a  Memoir  of  your  distinguished  father,  the  late 
Rev.  Alexander  McLeod,  D.D.,  being  given  to  the  public, 
from  the  apt  and  able  pen  of  his  honored  coadjutor  and 
friend,  the  Rev.  Dr.  "Wylie.  ]^o  one  knew  him  better,  or  is 
more  capable  of  presenting  a  just  estimate  of  his  talents, 
character,  and  labors. 

"  Dr.  McLeod,  during  the  whole  of  his  active  and  toil- 
some ministerial  life,  in  a  day  signalized  by  deep  devotion 
and  high  endowment  in  its  ministry,  stood  eminent  among 
his  peers.  lie  entered  the  same  field  in  which  Rodgers  and 
McKnight,  Livingston  and  Linn,  Mason  and  Miller,  Hobart 
and  Abeel,  Romeynand  Milledoller,  and  others  of  like  men- 
tal and  moral  stature  labored,  and  with  them,  in  fraternal 
concert,  took  full  share  in  carrying  forward  all  the  great 
interests  of  a  common  Christianity. 

"  Endowed  with  superior  intellectual  faculties,  and  a  mind 


DK.    KNOX.  525i 

i-iclily  stored  with  various  learning,  and  disciplined  by  assi- 
duous culture,  lie  was  always  a  man  of  jpower. 

"In  his  preaching,  he  was  argumentative,  lucid,  instruct- 
ing, and  impressive.  Familiar  with  the  revealings  of  the 
Word  of  God,  the  state  and  structure  of  the  human  .mind, 
and  the  windings  of  the  heart,  with  a  faithful  memory,  fer- 
tile imagination,  fluency  and  vigor  of  diction  and  style,  and 
teeming  thought,  his  discourses  were  able,  edifying,  and  elo- 
quent ;  as  he  advanced  and  warmed  in  their  delivery,  his 
manner  became  im23assioned,  at  times  impetuous.  He  was 
attractive  and  popular,  in  the  best  sense  of  the  terms. 

"  By  his  writings,  '  he  being  dead,  yet  speaketh.'  The 
public  possess  and  appreciate  them.  They  extend  over  a 
wide  field  of  doctrinal,  practical  and  polemic  discussion, 
and  furnish  an  important  accession  to  our  religious  litera- 
ture. He  was  the  uncompromising  advocate  and  able 
champion  of  the  great  doctrines  of  the  Gospel,  in  all  their 
relations  and  results.  As  a  controversialist,  he  was  acute 
and  searching,  clear  and  convincing.  Zealous  for  the  truth, 
and  earnest  in  the  condemnation  of  error,  his  Christian  prin- 
ciple, and  benign  and  happy  temperament,  were,  neverthe- 
less, a  guarantee  to  his  oj^ponent  of  all  personal  courtesy  of 
treatment. 

"  Conscientiously  attached  to  the  peculiarities  of  the  eccle- 
siastical l)ody  of  his  preference,  he  laid  no  claim  to  exclu- 
siveness.  In  a  spirit  truly  Catholic,  he  embraced  in  his  fra- 
ternal regards  and  intimate  friendship  those  who  differed 
from  him  in  this  respect,  freely  conceding  to  others  the  pri- 
vilege to  which  he  felt  himself  entitled.  His  intercourse  with 
brethren  of  other  ecclesiastical  denominations  was  frank,  con- 
fiding and  cordial.  To  his  younger  brethren  in  the  ministry, 
he  was  indulgent,  kind,  encouraging,  instructive  and  helpful. 


626         MEMOm  OF  ALEXANDER  MCLEOD,  D.D, 

His  influence  and  co-operation  in  promoting  tlie  great  inte- 
rests of  Christian  education,  pliilantliropy,  and  patriotism, 
were  prompt  and  effective.  In  sustaining  tlie  periodical 
literature  of  his  time,  his  aid  was  constantly  and  earnestly 
invoked,  and  to  it,  in  various  de^^artments,  he  largely  contri- 
buted. 

"  His  eminent  qualities  were  appreciated,  and  his  influence 
acknowledged,  far  beyond  his  own  immediate  sphere.  An 
evidence  of  the  public  estimate  of  his  learning,  abilities,  and 
character,  and  of  his  hold  on  popular  favor,  is  furnished  by 
the  fact  that  he  received  repeated  and  urgent  calls  to 
become  their  pastor,  from  the  most  prominent  churches  of 
various  surrounding  denominations ;  and  from  some  of  om* 
most  important  literary  institutions  to  a  professor's  chair ; 
and  it  affords  ample  proof  that  he  was  swayed  by  other 
motives  than  those  of  personal  ambition,  love  of  station,  or 
regard  to  emolument,  that  he  successively  declined  them  all. 

"  '  He  was  a  burning  and  a  shining  light ' — great  in  the 
midst  of  surrounding  greatness. 

"  With  sentiments  of  most  respectful  and  cordial  regards, 

"  Your  friend  and  brother  in  the  Gospel, 

"JoHisr  Kjsrox. 
"New  York,  March  8,  1855." 


FEOM  THE  EEV.  ANDKEW  W.  BLACK,  D.D.,  PASTOK  OF  THE 
EEFOEMED  PEESBYTEKIAN  CHUKCn,  ALLEGHANY,  PENNSYL- 
VANIA. 

Alleghany,  Pa.,  January  1st,  1855. 

"  My  Deae  Beothee, 

"  My  personal  knowledge  of  your  father,  the 
late  Dr.   McLeod,  was   confined   to   a  comparatively  few 


DR.    BLACK.  527 

incidents.  His  name,  however,  was  a  lioiiseliold  word  in 
my  father's  family.  lie  was,  as  you  well  know,  like  the 
writer  of  the  Memoir  you  are  editing,  the  early  and  fast 
friend  of  my  father.  I  have  heard  him  often  say,  that  in  no 
man's  judgment  did  he  place  the  same  implicit  confidence 
that  he  did  in  Dr.  McLeod's.  His  love  for  him  was  great, 
and  this  love  was  made  veneration  by  the  conviction  that 
his  matured  judgment  in  all  the  great  questions  of  eccle- 
siastical and  civil  policy  which  engrossed  the  minds  of  men 
in  his  day,  was  always  Tigld.  All  his  life  long  he  regarded 
Dr.  McLeod  as  one  of  the  greatest  and  best  men  of  his  age. 
One,  too,  whom  the  applause  of  men,  and  the  consciousness 
of  his  own  great  power,  never,  in  a  single  instance,  led 
astray.  He  lived  in  his  heart  beside  that  other  great  man, 
the  companion  of  his  boyhood,  whose  name  is  honored  in 
writing  this  Memoir,  till  the  pulsation  of  that  heart  ceased. 

"  One  of  the  most  powerful  discourses  I  ever  heard  from 
any  man,  was  delivered  by  Dr.  McLeod  at  the  ordination  of 
his  son,  yourself,  more  than  a  quarter  of  a  century  ago. 

"  I  was  present  and  witnessed  the  solemn  and  impressive 
services  on  that  occasion.  The  ordination  sermon  was 
preached  by  Dr.  McLeod,  from  1  Cor.  xiv.  12  :  '  Seek  that 
you  may  excel  to  the  edifying  of  the  church.'  His  theme 
was  tJie  nature  and  objects  of  ministerial  ambition.  xlU 
that  I  had  been  told  at  Jwme  of  the  extraordinary  power  he 
possessed  as  a  preacher  of  righteousness,  was  more  than 
realized.  He  was  in  feeble  health  at  the  time ;  yet  it 
seemed  to  me  that  so  great  was  the  power  of  the  sjyiritual 
over  the  bodily^  that  even  his  weakness  became  strength. 
His  charge  to  the  people  after  the  ordination,  was  the  most 
inexpressibly  touching  service  I  ever  witnessed.  I  have 
never  lost  the  impression  of  that  day. 


528  MEMOIR   OF   ALEXANDER   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

"  As  an  ecclesiastic  controlling  and  directing  cliurch 
courts  always  for  tlieir  good,  I  never  knew  the  eqnal  of  Dr. 
McLeod.  He  seemed-  to  me  as  miglity  in  conducting 
properly  the  ecclesiastical  movements  of  the  body  to  which 
he  belonged,  as  he  was  in  the  Scriptures.  His  Saviour  has 
taken  him  to  the  church  in  heaven,  to  be  one  in  the  General 
Assembly  of  the  first  born  which  are  written  there.  "We  on 
the  earth,  who  would  walk  in  the  footsteps  of  the  saints, 
rejoice  that  his  life  and  character  are  about  to  be  given  to 
us  for  an  example. 

"  With  great  respect,  I  remain,  my 

"  Dear  brother,  yours, 

"A.  W.  Black. 
'^Eev.  John  K  McLeod,  D.  D." 


FROM  THE  REV.  WILLIAM  SYMINGTON,  D.D.,  PASTOR  OF  THE 
REFORMED  PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCH,  GREAT  HAMILTON  STREET, 
GLASGOW,  AND  PROFESSOR  OF  THEOLOGY  TO  THE  REFORl^IED 
PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH,  SCOTLAND. 

"  JSTovember  Qth,  1S54 

"  My  Dear  Sir  : 

"  When  I  received  the  request  with  which 
you  have  honored  me,  I  was  busily  engaged  with  the 
hall;  and  ever  since  the  Theological  Session  closed,  I 
have  been  in  such  bad  health  that  I  could  not  write 
more  than  a  mere  note.  Even  still,  I  am  obliged  to 
keep  away  from  the  scene  of  public  duties ;  but  I  cannot 
longer  delay  compliance. 

"It  was  in  the  spring  of  1830,  I  think,  that  your  vene- 
rated father  yisited  Scotland^    His  time  was  mostly  spent 


DE.    SYMINGTON. 


529 


iu  tlie  west  country,  and  my  residence  was  tlicn  at  Stran- 
raer, in  the  south.  But  I  saw  a  good  deal  of  him,  notwith- 
standing. I  happened  to  be  a  week  or  two  in  the  west 
while  he  was  there.  I  had  also  the  pleasure  of  a  visit  of 
a  few  days  from  him  at  Stranraer ;  and  after  that,  we  went 
together  to  Ireland,  where  we  assisted  in  the  dispensation 
of  the  Lord's  Supper  at  Belfast,  and  attended,  as  delegates 
from  our  respective  Synods,  a  meeting  of  the  Beformed 
Presbyterian  Synod  at  Coleraine.  I  regret  to  find  that  I 
had  not  taken  notes  of  what  occurred  on  these  occasions, 
but  my  recollection  is,  perhaps,  vivid  enough  for  the  pur- 
pose required.  There  are  "  stars  of  retrospect,"  which  con- 
tinue to  shine  brightly  through  the  shade  of  years. 

"I  had  a  very  dear  brother,  who,  after  having  been 
licensed  to  preach  for  about  a  year,  died  at  Paisley,  in 
April,  1830.  Dr.  McLeod  attended  his  funeral.  It  was 
on  this  occasion  that  I  first  saw  and  heard  him,  he  having 
offered  up  one  of  the  prayers,  in  which  were  some  touching 
passages,  spoken  in  a  calm,  subdued,  sympathizing  tone  of 
voice,  the  echoes  of  which  still  linger  in  my  ear. 

"Soon  after  this  our  Synod  met.  Dr.  McLeod  was 
requested  to  preach  the  opening  sermon.  I  remember 
well  the  eager  curiosity  with  which  I  waited  for  his  coming 
into  the  pulpit,  watched  his  every  movement,  and  listened 
to  everything  he  uttered.  The  text  was  Psalm  xlviii.  13, 
14,  which  he  discussed  in  a  very  masterly  way,  speaking 
often  with  great  eloquence  and  power.  He  spoke  occa- 
sionally in  the  Court,  chiefly  in  the  way  of  conveying 
information  respecting  the  church  in  the  United  States, 
and  of  expounding  a  Bond  of  Covenanting  designed  for 
Scotland,  Ireland,  and  America.  His  statements  were 
always   clear;  his  views  liberal   and  comprehensive;  and 


530  JMEMOm   OF   ALEXAJSTDEE   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

liis  tones  of  voice  such  as  indicated  decision  and  inde- 
pendence of  mind. 

"  The  visit  with  which  lie  honored  me  at  Stranraer  was 
paid  in  the  beginning  of  July.  He  preached  twice  on  the 
Sabbath ;  in  the  afternoon  from  Eph.  v.  32,  and  in  the  eve- 
ning from  Gen.  xlix.  10.  There  were  noble  bursts  of  sancti- 
fied eloquence  in  both  discourses,  particularly  in  the  former. 
The  crowd  which  gathered  from  all  quarters,  embracing 
persons  of  every  denomination,  and  of  all  ranks,  rendered 
it  necessary  that  the  service  should  be  conducted  in  the 
open  air.  A  collection  was  made  on  behalf  of  a  society, 
for  sending  the  Gospel  to  the  Jews.  It  happened  to  be 
the  anniversary  of  the  Declaration  of  Independence  in  the 
United  States.  He  made  allusion  to  this  in  his  public 
prayers,  accompanied,  however,  with  petitions  on  behalf 
of  the  authorities  in  Great  Britain,  breathing  greater  libe- 
rality towards  the  institutions  of  this  country  than  those  who 
had  read  his  '  "War  Sennons  '  were  prepared  to  expect. 

"  During  his  stay  with  us,  we  had  frequent  forenoon 
drives  in  the  neighborhood ;  and  on  these  occasions  he 
conversed  with  greater  freedom  and  animation  than  at 
other  times.  The  reserve  which  he  usually  maintained 
at  table  and  in  mixed  society,  was  to  a  great  extent  laid 
aside ;  so  much  so,  indeed,  that  I  flattered  myself  that  I 
had  discovered  the  secret  of  drawing  Mm  out.  There  were 
a  number  of  topics  of  public  interest  on  which  I  was  desir- 
ous of  hearing  him  speak ;  and  on  these  occasional  excur- 
sions, they  were  all,  I  think,  gone  over  satisfactorily.  His 
manner  in  the  family  was  kind,  courteous,  and  gentlemanly. 
My  children  were  then  young,  and  one  of  them  in  some- 
what delicate  health.  He  manifested  an  interest  in  them 
all ;  heard  them  repeat  their  little  tasks,  and  remembered 


IMPASSIONED  ELOQUENCE.  531 

them  discriminatively  in  his  prayers.  His  domestic  suppli- 
cations were  remarkable  for  their  richness  and  fervor ;  and 
in  this  respect  he  resembled  another  distinguished  country- 
man of  our  own,  the  late  Dr.  Thomas  Chalmers.  Tlie  visit 
of  Dr.  McLeod  proved  a  high  gratification  to  Mrs.  Syming- 
ton and  myself ;  and  in  token  of  the  respect  cherished  for 
our  excellent  guest,  we  agreed  to  call  a  son,  afterwards 
added  to  our  circle,  by  his  name.  That  son  is  now  a  stu- 
dent of  divinity,  in  the  last  year  of  his  course ;  and  his 
parents  can  have  few  better  wishes  on  his  behalf,  than  that 
he  may  be  long  spared  to  reflect  the  gifts,  emulate  the 
virtues,  and  rival  the  usefulness  of  his  illustrious  name- 
father. 

"  From  Stranraer  we  proceeded  together  to  Ireland. 
While  in  Belfast,  Dr.  McLeod  was  the  guest  of  his  brother, 
Colonel  McLeod,  at  that  time  resident  there,  so  that  I  saw 
less  of  him  in  private.  But  we  met  daily  in  connection  with 
the  services  of  the  communion.  He  preached  on  Saturday, 
and  on  Sabbath  fenced  the  tables,  and  gave  one  table 
address.  I  have  no  distinct  recollection  of  the  sermon,  but 
remember  that,  according  to  the  custom  of  the  place,  he  pre- 
faced on  the  Psalm  at  the  commencement.  The  Psalm 
selected  was  the  23d,  his  remarks  on  which  were  so  fresh, 
beautiful  and  striking,  as  to  produce  an  impression  which 
has  not  yet  died  away.  The  table  service  was,  I  think,  the 
most  interesting  thing  I  was  privileged  to  hear  from  him. 
Tlie  subject  was,  hefore  giving  the  elements,  the  love  of 
Christy  and  after,  love  to  Christ.  Solidity  of  thought, 
solemnity  of  manner,  and  a  fine  tone  of  devotional  feeling 
characterized  the  whole  exercise.  But  towards  the  close,  he 
made  some  touching  allusions  to  the  circumstances  in  which 
he  then  found  himself,  recalling  by-gone  days  and  departed 


532  MEMOm   OF   ALEXAJSTDEK   MCLEOD,    D.D. 

friends,  and  rising  to  tlie  highest  pitcli  of  impassioned  elo- 
quence. The  whole  audience  was  melted  into  tears.  "When 
the  paroxysm  of  sympathj  was  at  its  acme,  the  orator 
abruptly  resumed  his  seat,  and  a  deep  unbroken  silence  of 
some  minutes  ensued.  It  was  one  of  those  scenes  which  it 
is  a  privilege  to  witness,  and  with  the  retention  of  which 
the  memory  is  strictly  charged. 

"  After  the  communion  at  Belfast,  we  set  out  for  Cole- 
raine,  where  the  Eeforraed  Presbyterian  Synod  met  on  the 
day  following.  Dr.  McLeod  was  again  invited  to  deliver 
the  opening  sermon.  His  text  on  this  occasion  was  Jer.  1., 
5,  and  the  sermon  possessed  all  the  qualities  of  his  pulpit 
style.  During  the  sitting  of  the  Court,  as  far  as  I  can  now 
recollect,  nothing  very  memorable  occurred.  We  travelled 
in  company  part  of  the  way  back  towards  Belfast ;  at  a  par- 
ticular point  on  the  road,  where  he  diverged  along  with  Dr. 
Stavely,  to  whom  he  was  to  pay  a  visit,  we  exchanged  vale- 
dictory good  wishes,  and  parted,  never  again  to  meet  on  the 
footstool,  but  destined,  I  hope,  to  renew  our  friendship  in  a 
happier  clime. 

"  These  are  the  only  reminiscences  I  am  able,  at  this  mo- 
ment, to  command  of  your  excellent  father's  visit  to  the  land 
of  his  birth.  Long  before  that  visit,  he  had  become  well 
known,  through  the  medium  of  his  writings,  to  many  in  this 
country.  They  were  delighted  to  enjoy  personal  intercourse 
with  one  who,  by  these  means,  had  already  secured  for  him- 
self a  place  in  their  affectionate  respect  and  esteem.  Every 
opportunity  was  embraced  of  showing  him  attention  and 
paying  him  honor.  I  can  safely  speak  for  others  as  well  as 
for  myself  in  this  matter.  Dr.  McLeod  was  nearly  allied  to 
those  energetic  spirits  who  compel  the  world  to  do  them 
homage.     From  a  boy  I  had  been  acquainted  with  his  writ- 


ORNAMENT  OF  THE  CHURCn.  533 

ings,  and,  as  I  grew  up,  tlicj  were  perused  witli  increasing 
delight,  the   qualities  they  possess  being  such  as  are  cal- 
culated alike  to  captivate  the  youthful,  and  yield  satisfaction 
to  the  matured  mind.    Everywhere  throughout  Dr.  McLeod's 
pages,  the  philosopher,  the  historian,  the  politician,  and  the 
economist  appear,  as  well  as  the  Christian  and  the  divine. 
They  are  rendered  attractive  not  less  by  their  literary  than 
by  their  theological  properties.     Nor  had  personal  inter- 
course with  the  author  any  tendency,  as  it  sometimes  has,  to 
alter  the  opinion  or  diminish  the  estimate  that  had  been 
formed  of  him  from  his  writings.     To  those  who  met  with 
him  in  private,  he  ]5roved  himself  a  man  of  gi-eat  talent, 
universal  information,  penetrating  sagacity,  enlarged  philan- 
thropy, and  deep  religious  feeling.     With  everything  con- 
nected with  the  Scottish  Eeformation,  and  with  the  land  of 
his  adoption,  he  manifested  a  profound  acquaintance ;  and 
whatever  was  the  subject  of  conversation,  he  was  able  to 
speak  on  it,  not  in  the  way  of  common-place  remark,  but 
with  an  ease,  accuracy,  and  depth,  which  bespoke  keen  obser- 
vation and  sound  judgment. 

"  Like  other  great  men.  Dr.  McLeod  left  the  impress  of  his 
character  and  genius  on  others.  The  influence  he  exerted 
in  America  is  not  confined  to  those  of  his  OM-n  church,  but 
embraces,  it  is  believed,  a  wide  circle  of  Christian  and  lite- 
rary association.  Even  in  this  country,  his  writings  have 
tended  to  mould  the  minds  and  direct  the  activities  of  not  a 
few.  And  this  is  only  in  accordance  v/itli  that  comprehen- 
siveness of  view,  and  large-heartedness  of  purpose  and  feel- 
ing by  which  he  himself  was  dislinguished — so  ditierent 
from  that  sectarian  contractedness  into  which  inferior  minds 
arc  apt  to  be  shrivelled  up.  Without  doubt,  Dr.  McLeod 
was  one  of  the  very  highest  ornaments  of  the  church  to 


634  MEMOIR   OF   ALEXAXDEE  MCLEOD,   D.D. 

wliicli  he  belonged,  and  shed  a  hallowed  influence  far 
beyond  its  extent.  Looking  at  the  rapid  extinction,  as  far  as 
earth  is  concerned,  of  such  luminaries,  one  can  find  no  bet- 
ter relief  from  the  sense  of  oppression  produced  than  in 
giving  vent  to  the  devout  exclamation : — '  Help,  Lord,  for 
the  godly  man  ceaseth ;  for  the  faithful  fail  from  among  the 
children  of  men.' 

"  Believe  me,  my  dear  sir,  with  cordial  esteem  and  good 
wishes.  Your  friend  and  brother, 

"  William  STMiNGTC]!f. 

"Eev.  John  K  McLeod,  D.D., 
"  mw  York." 


PtTBLICATIONS. 

The  following  is  a  list  of  all  the  remembered  works  of 
Doctor  McLeod: — 

Negro  Slavery  Unjustifiable.  A  Discourse.  IS'ew  York, 
1802. 

Messiah.,    Governor    of  the    Nations    of   the    Earth. — A 

.   Discourse,  E"ew  York,  1803. 

The  Constitution.)  Character  and  Duties  of  the  Gos^pel 
3£inistry. — A  Sermon,  l^ew  York,  1808, 

Ecclesiastical  Catechism.— -pi^  141,  twelve  editions  known. 
New  York,  1807. 

Lectures  ^ipon  the  Principal  Proj>hecies  of  the  Revela- 
tion.— Four  editions  known.— pp.  480,  octavo.  New 
York,  1814. 

View  of  the  Late  TTc**'.— -Two  editions,  pp.  205,  octavo 
New  York,  1815. 


PUBLICATIONS.  535 

The  Life  and  Power  of  Ti'ue  Godliness. — A  series  of  Dis- 
courses.^— Six  editions  known. — pp.  425,  octavo.  Kew 
York,  181G. 

Coi'resjpondence  of  Churches. — Address  to  tlie  Synod  of 
the  Reformed  Presbyterian  Church.     New  York,  182Y. 

American  Christian  Expositor. — A  monthly  periodical. 
Two  vols,  octavo.     :N'ew  York,  1832-3. 

Doctor  McLcod  wrote,  also, — 

Reformation  Principles  Exhibited — The  Testimony  of 
the  Reformed  Presbyterian  Church — Historical  View — 
Declaratory  Part — Book  of  Discijpline^  d&c,  &c. 

He  also  contributed  largely  to  the  Christian  Magazine; 
Evangelical  Guardian  and  Review',  Magazine  of  the 
Reformed  Protestant  Dutch  Church  /  Evangelical  Witness , 
and  other  religious  periodicals.  He  edited  too,  the  Larger 
Catechism^  with  proofs ;  the  first  book  ever  stereotyped  in 
America.  Also,  several  of  the  most  important  notes  to 
the  American  edition  of  the  works  of  Tliomas  Reid, 
D.  D.,  F.  R.  S.,  Edinburgh.— Vols.  4 :     Charlestown,  1813. 


THE   END. 


04B6TD     QtM  J 

LBC  Uirt    US, 

08-05-04  32180      Hs^P 


Princeton  Theological  Seminary  Libraries 


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